Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
149. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the development of L1 and L2 specifications in Leaving Certificate Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14189/23]
View answerThe National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) commenced work in December 2018 to develop Leaving Certificate Irish specifications for T1 and T2 in December 2018. A consultation on draft specifications was opened in February 2021. The consultation report was approved by the NCCA Council at the end of last year, and subsequently submitted to my Department. The NCCA published the report on 15 March last.
In publishing, the NCCA has noted that one of the strongest themes to emerge from the consultation was that a shared vision and purpose in relation to Leaving Certificate Irish has not yet been achieved, and that questions about the model of curricular provision need to be considered.
In light of the consultation findings, the NCCA is now pausing development work on the draft T1 and T2 specifications and will undertake additional research, deliberation and consultation with teachers, students, parents and all stakeholders on possible ways forward for Leaving Certificate Irish.
It is welcome that the extensive consultation undertaken by the NCCA has ensured that the diversity of views on this can be considered. The further research to be undertaken now by the NCCA will ensure a robust evidence base on how to proceed, and I welcome its plans to ensure that stakeholders continue to be at the core of this process.
