Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
79 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is engaged in discussions with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment regarding its proposals to offer Irish as a full or half course at leaving certificate level; her views on such a proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30519/04]
View answerNo proposals have yet been made to me proposing a change in the position of Irish at senior cycle.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, has carried out a comprehensive public consultation process on the future direction of senior cycle education in Ireland. This concluded with the publication by the NCCA of Directions for Development — Developing Senior Cycle Education, which was presented at a national forum in Dublin Castle on 23 September 2003. The NCCA proposals set out a vision for the type of school system which might exist by 2010. The proposals envisage a restructured senior cycle curriculum consisting of transition units, short courses and subjects.
Publication of Directions for Development has been followed by further analyses and consultation by the NCCA in the lead-up to the council's presentation of advice and recommendations to me on the future of senior cycle. I understand that the next stage of this advice, due in early 2005, will include an elaboration of the possible configuration of subjects, short courses and transition units.
The position of Irish as the national language and the first official language is enshrined in the Constitution. In addition, the Education Act 1998 includes among its objectives to contribute to the realisation of national policy objectives in relation to the extension of bilingualisim in Irish society and the achievement of a greater use of Irish language at school and in the community. Under the rules and programme for secondary schools all students must follow an approved programme in Irish unless they are granted an exemption under rule 46.
I am aware that the NCCA proposals for reform of senior cycle are underpinned by a comprehensive consultation process and international research. I await with interest the next stage of the council's advice. Should a change to the position of Irish at senior cycle be proposed I will consider the matter in the context of the issues which emerged in the consultation process, the obligations imposed by the Constitution and the Education Act to promote the Irish language and the need to ensure the right of citizens on an ongoing basis to access public services in either of the official languages.
