Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 4

Written Answers. - Exploring Masculinity Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

176 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason copies of the new syllabus on exploring masculinity are not available to the public on request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28814/00]

Denis Naughten

Question:

177 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department was not represented at a seminar (details supplied) to discuss the new syllabus exploring masculinity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28815/00]

Denis Naughten

Question:

178 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures he is taking to review the exploring masculinity programme following complaints received by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28816/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, together.

I would like to emphasise that Exploring Masculinities is not a new syllabus but is a pack of resource materials, manual and video, which was produced by the equality committee of my Department to assist schools who are providing programmes of personal and social development in transition year and senior cycle. Schools are free to use all, some or none of the materials, having regard to the requirements of pupils and the views of parents.

The project was co-funded by the European Social Fund, under the equal opportunities actions measure in the human resources development operational programme. Funding was avail able to produce 1,000 copies of the materials, which is the normal amount of copies of such materials that are required to supply copies to schools, other educational establishments and the education support centres. In common with other similar materials, it is not the practice, for reasons of cost, to make copies available to other than schools or other educational bodies with a direct interest in using the materials. However, since copies are available for inspection in each of the 29 education support centres throughout the country, members of the public who requested a copy were given the name and address of their nearest education support centre. Alternatively, parents can inspect the materials in their son's school, if the school has obtained a copy.

My Department received notification of the seminar referred to by the Deputy at very short notice. My Department was unable to participate in the seminar for this reason. Officials from my Department have met representatives from Amen and related organisations three times over the past year and have been in communication with them on many occasions.

As I have already announced, I have asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, which has a statutory function under the Education Act, 1998, to advise me on all aspects of the curriculum, to undertake a review of the programme, including the views of teachers, parents and young persons participating in the programme. In this connection, I would draw the Deputy's attention to a recent letter supporting this initiative, published inThe Irish Times, Friday, 24 November 2000, from the heads of the education departments of five Irish universities.