With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 to 36, inclusive, together.
My attention has been drawn to the report referred to in two of these questions.
As far as national schools are concerned, the aims of teaching mathematics are defined in the teachers' handbook on the primary school curriculum. They are to kindle a lively interest in the subject, to give the child a grasp of basic mathematical structure and content, to lay a foundation for further work at post-primary level, and to lead the child to a realistic level of skill in computation.
The curriculum unit of my Department is at present engaged in a review and evaluation of the teaching of mathematics in primary schools. The indications so far are that, although the criterion reference tests which have been applied show that some of the objectives of the syllabus have not been achieved by pupils to the extent desired, the subject is in general being treated and taught satisfactorily.
However, it would not be wise to base a judgment on an incomplete assessment. When the review and evaluation are completed I shall take such steps as the results may suggest to be necessary or desirable.
At the post-primary level, the suitability of the curriculum in mathematics is under continuous review by the special syllabus committee for the subject, which includes representatives of the universities and of the school management and teaching bodies and others. The syllabus is revised or changed from time to time in the light of views expressed or recommendations made by the committee, and I am prepared to consider any proposals in relation to the revision of the syllabus which may come to me from the committee or from any appropriate responsible body.
I do not consider that the present situation is such as to demand that an inquiry be held into the method of teaching mathematics in the schools.