Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
203. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills the process by which the curriculum for history taught in our schools is drawn up and the way that history is verified to be accurate; and how what is taught is prioritised. [19383/14]
View answerThe 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. This intensive process should ensure that the specific history approaches, topics, events, actions etc. can be verified to be accurate. This approach also identifies the particular aspects and events in history that should be prioritised for study. Curricular documents are submitted to the Council of the NCCA for its approval. Once approved they are then sent to me for my approval.
