Vol. 307 No. 12
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the considerable concern of parents, children and teachers in the Dublin area arising out of the announcement to terminate the humanities intermediate certificate as from 1979; and, since students were being prepared for examination in 1980 in such a course, if he will ensure that students who have been engaged in an appropriate study course will be afforded the opportunity of sitting for a related examination in 1980; and, if not, why.
216.
asked the Minister for Education if he will delay the suspension of the humanities and ISCIP intermediate certificate curricula until an in-depth study is carried out and published.
: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.
As I indicated in reply to Questions Nos. 18 and 19 on 20 June, this particular alternative examination structure was introduced on a temporary and provisional basis from 1976 to 1979 inclusive and an evaluation of the project is now being undertaken by the curriculum unit of my Department.
In the circumstances I am prepared to arrange for the holding of the alternative examination again in 1980.
