Vol. 545 No. 1
319 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the controversy being raised in relation to aspects of the newly introduced curriculum this year at primary school level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29583/01]
My attention has been drawn to material in a particular textbook in use in some primary schools by a group that considered the material unsuitable. There has been no controversy about the revised primary curriculum.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment provided guidance to all Irish educational publishers with regard to the specifications for textbooks to support the implementation of the curriculum. The selection of textbooks for use in schools is a matter for boards of management and staffs of individual schools. Where individuals or groups consider that material in a textbook is unsuitable, they should bring the matter to the attention of the school authorities and to the publishers of the textbook.
My Department does not sanction textbooks for schools, but a textbook committee, representative of a wide range of interest in education, advises me on issues concerning textbooks, as required. I am referring this matter to the textbook committee of my Department for their views.
