School Curriculum

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Questions (608)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

608. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider engaging with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Department of Education and Skills as part of preparation for the Decade of Commemoration to assess if the history curricula at primary and secondary level reflects in a balanced way the events of the years 1912 to 1922; if he expects similar engagements by his UK and Northern Ireland counterpart in relation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47736/12]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Deputy will be aware that curriculum issues are matters within the statutory remit of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills

It is anticipated that the commemorative arrangements for the Decade of Centenaries will stimulate wide interest in the history of the period. The development of the official commemorative programme is supported by an Advisory Group of distinguished historians, chaired by Dr Maurice Manning. I understand that this group is engaged with the Department of Education and Skills in relation to curriculum development for Transition Year students, enhanced access to archives and records, and special initiatives to promote historical research. The opportunity for joint or complementary initiatives within the commemorative framework is constantly under review with Ministerial colleagues in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.