asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the suggestion (details supplied) that up to 25 per cent of children leave primary schools with little or no skills in reading, writing and arithmetic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Primary School Leavers.
28.
I am not aware of any reliable empirical evidence in support of the suggestion that up to 25 per cent of children leave primary school with little or no skills in reading, writing and arithmetic. In this connection I would refer the Deputy to my answer to Questions Nos. 24 and 25 on May 17 last year.
Is the Minister aware of the criticism made by Rev. Brother Cassells, who is a career guidance expert, which indicates that 25 per cent of children leave primary school with little or no skill in reading, writing and arithmetic? This must be a cause of concern. Is the Minister considering some form of assessment during the latter part of the primary school cycle—I am not talking about examination but assessment—of the abilities of a pupil in the essential subjects in order to detect where there is a weakness or where there is a need for remedial teaching?
I do not accept that the figure given by Brother Cassells as mentioned by the Deputy was a figure arrived at on the basis of widespread research. That was implicit in my answer. Of course there are people with problems after primary school stage. There are people who indulge in teacher-baiting. I do not agree that teachers are remiss in this regard. As the House knows, and as I have made clear in answering questions at various times in the House, the number of remedial teachers being made available has been increased substantially in recent years.
If the figure of 25 per cent is not accepted could the Minister say what percentage of children leaving primary schools require remedial treatment?
I shall not fall into the trap of making a blanket statement without having facts to back it up. I shall try to get an estimate from my Department of the number they think need some remedial treatment at the end of their primary schooling.
Would the Minister supply me with that information?
Yes.
Would the Minister not agree that there is need to extend remedial teaching service into smaller schools where there is just as much need as in larger schools?
We have been extending it substantially.
Not very widely, in fairness.
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for the next sitting day.