Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 1990

Vol. 395 No. 1

Written Answers. - Junior Cycle Science Syllabus.

Proinsias De Rossa

Ceist:

20 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education the reason for her decision to remove the word contraception from the junior cycle science syllabus; if she will give details of the representations made and advice given to her in relation to this matter; whether advice from her own officials or church representatives influenced her decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The new junior certificate syllabus in science was submitted for my approval by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.

I decided to substitute the words "family planning" for the word "contraception" in the section of the syllabus dealing with the reproductive cycle. I considered the words "family planning" to be more appropriate as this encompasses such issues as fertility and conception as well as contraception.