Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 5

Written Answers. - Education on Racism.

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The education system has as one of its objectives the production of well-balanced and rounded individuals who have developed responsible attitudes as members of society. This objective permeates the curriculum in our schools, at both first and second levels, and provides a safeguard against the influence of negative forces such as racism. I have had the pleasure of visiting many of our schools where children of different nationalities and cultures are very happily integrated.

At primary level, the revised curriculum includes social, personal and health education which is designed to enable children to develop a framework of values, attitudes, understanding and skills that will inform their actions as citizens in a free and democratic society now and in the future. This programme is delivered on an integrated, cross-curricular basis.

Civic, social and political education is part of the core curriculum for all second level schools. This subject is based on a number of central concepts including democracy, rights and responsi bilities, human dignity and law. The study of civic, social and political education helps pupils to understand and respect human rights. It helps them to become aware of the issue of discrimination and of the need to guard against it in all its forms. One of the key aims of civic, social and political education is the development of skills to allow pupils to participate fully in the democratic process. It helps students to recognise this participation as a basic human right for all, regardless of such matters as ethnic or racial identity.

Both social, personal and health education and civic, social and political education involve a broad focus on issues of rights, justice and good citizenship. This approach provides a more effective response than would a programme focusing specifically on the issue of racism.

Schools are given sufficient flexibility to adapt the curriculum, in line with particular needs and priorities at any given time, in order to address issues such as racism. There is considerable scope for this in the transition year programme.

It is not possible to give precise information on the percentage of the education budget that goes to fund education on racism.