School Curriculum

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (959)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

959. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a document that is available on her Departmental website, Rules for National Schools, states that subjects of laundry, needlework and domestic economy are for girls; her views on whether this is demeaning and undermines the role of female students in society; her further views on whether such a document should be updated; her views on whether making such a document available on the website could give the impression that the ethos of her Department is outdated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21187/22]

Written answers

Minister for Education

It is the aim of my Department that every child has access to equitable education and that each learner irrespective of background feels safe and happy in the school environment, at every stage.

I acknowledge that much of the language in the document published in 1965 is outdated and does not reflect this ambition. However, many aspects of the Rules for National Schools have been superseded by circulars since then.

Currently, the 1999 Primary Curriculum is undergoing review and redevelopment, led by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). The consultation on the Draft Primary Curriculum Framework closed on February 28th, 2022. Feedback from teachers, school leaders, parents/guardians, children and national stakeholder groups during the consultation will play an important role in finalising the details within the Primary Curriculum Framework. Upon completion in early 2023, this framework will then guide the NCCA’s work in developing a specification for each curriculum area. A timeline for the introduction of the redeveloped curriculum will be set out by the Department of Education.