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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 5

Written Answers. - Primary School English Textbooks.

Dan Neville

Question:

185 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will address the concerns of parents of primary school children with the text of an English textbook (details supplied). [31175/01]

The issue to which the Deputy refers has been brought to my attention. The editor of textbooks and activity books selects the content of such books. The material selected for inclusion in textbooks reflects the personal preferences of the editor. When selecting material for textbooks, editors are required to follow guidelines drawn up by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to ensure that the textbooks conform to the requirements of the curriculum. My view is that editors should follow the specifications for textbooks provided by the NCCA, including the need to ensure the appropriateness of the selec ted material to the age and the developmental level of the pupils for whom the books are intended.

I am referring the issues raised by the Deputy to the NCCA to see if its guidelines for publishers address the concerns of the parents. I have also asked the textbook committee of my Department for its views on the issues raised by the parents. However, the parents should bring the issues of concern to them directly to the publishers of the textbook and to the school authorities.

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