Vol. 546 No. 4
154 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to public concern regarding the exploring masculinities programme in use in many second level boys schools; his views on these concerns; his plans to review this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32058/01]
I am aware that some members of the public have expressed concern about the programme. Consequently, I have asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, to carry out a review of the programme. This review will take into account the opinions of the organis ations and individuals that have made representations to me and to the NCCA about this matter. The council expects to consider a report arising from the review at its meeting in February 2002 and I expect to receive a copy of the report following that meeting.
155 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to public concern about the use of a publication (details supplied) in many primary schools due to this books depiction of elderly people in a negative light; his views on these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32059/01]
The issue to which the Deputy refers has been brought to my attention. Editors of textbooks and activity books for use in primary schools select the content of such books. The material selected for inclusion in textbooks reflects the 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.
Parents and members of the public are fully entitled to express their concerns about matters relating to curricula in primary schools. Editors of textbooks should follow the specifications for textbooks provided by the NCCA, including the need to ensure the appropriateness of the selected material to the age and the developmental level of the pupils for whom the books are intended.
I have referred the issues raised by the Deputy to the NCCA to see if their guidelines for publishers address the concerns of the parents. However, the parents themselves should bring the issues of concern to them directly to the publishers of the textbook and to the school authorities.
