Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
215. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of curriculum advisers he has employed to advise on the issue of curriculum reform; their names and job titles; and if they are employees of his Department or the National Council of Curriculum and Assessment. [17312/14]
View answerI have employed no additional curriculum advisers. There are a significant number of officials within my Department who advise me on the many and varied aspects of policy development, including curriculum. In addition, my Inspectorate also provides advice on a range of educational issues.
The NCCA, as set out in section 41 (1) (a) and (b) of the Education Act 1998, advises me "on matters relating to the curriculum for early childhood education, primary and post-primary schools, and the assessment procedures employed in schools and examinations on subjects which are part of the curriculum".
The NCCA recruits Education Officers with specialist expertise, on a rolling basis, based on the NCCA's plan of work, to develop programmes, subject specifications and other curricular components. The NCCA works through a consultative process which allows an opportunity for all interested parties to share their views. Therefore the names, job titles and numbers of education officers employed temporarily by the NCCA can vary from year to year depending on the particular curricular reform agenda. A list of the current education officers employed by the NCCA will be forwarded to the Deputy.
