Vol. 504 No. 2
320 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to issue a circular to teachers in relation to the amount of homework which they give in view of the fact that many pupils are receiving an excessive amount of homework which can take three to four hours to complete each night; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11351/99]
The amount of homework assigned by teachers at primary level varies with the age of the child and, at second level, with the level and number of subjects being followed by pupils. It is becoming standard practice for schools to develop a homework policy as part of their school development planning process. This is frequently done in consultation with parents.
Schools are aware of the need to plan, co-ordinate and supervise the allocation of homework to pupils and therefore it is not proposed to issue a circular.
