Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 3

Written Answers. - Driver Education Programme.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

325 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide a driver education programme in schools; if such a programme will involve the use of outside driver training facilities where road traffic simulations would be provided; if he will be involved in setting out the specifications for such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11754/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Second level schools are free to address the issue of road safety as part of the programme in civic, social and political education. This subject is part of the junior certificate core curriculum for second level schools. It is a course in citizenship based on human rights and social responsibilities. The syllabus specifies a number of concepts which must be addressed, but schools have a good deal of flexibility with regard to how this is done. A number of these concepts can accommodate the study of issues relating to road safety, for example, rights and responsibilities and law. Schools and teachers are in a position to respond, through their work in civic, social and political education, to particular needs, concerns and issues that arise from time to time in their communities.

In civic, social and political education, emphasis is placed on active learning methodologies with a view to the development by pupils of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values which will enable them to act responsibly as citizens.

Modules on road safety are included by a number of schools in their transition year programmes.

Schools wishing to implement a programme of the type to which the question refers are free to do so where management is satisfied as to its educational value and suitability in the light of the pupils' needs, and of the school's priorities and capacity to provide the programme.