Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 8

Written Answers. - Review Body's Proposals.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

18 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the primary curriculum review body's opinion that an essential element in the implementation of their proposals was an improvement in staffing, she will outline her plans in regard to the following recommendations of the review body (a) reducing class size (b) remedial teaching service for all schools (c) ancillary staffing for schools and (d) a review of the position of teaching principals.

Proinsias De Rossa

Ceist:

62 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education when she intends to implement the recommendation of the Review Body on the Primary Curriculum, that pre-primary education facilities be established in disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Theresa Ahearn

Ceist:

71 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education her policy regarding the inclusion of foreign languages in the primary curriculum; and her plans for the future in this regard; the approximate cost of such a provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

72 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education when she intends to implement the recommendations of the report of the Review Body on the Primary Curriculum; if she will present a programme for the implementation of the report to Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

129 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education if she will expand on the review body on the primary school curriculum's recommendation in relation to modern European languages in the primary school, having regard to the fact that a foreign language is offered in 21 per cent of national schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 62, 71, 72 and 129 together.

When I was presented with the report of the Review Body on the Primary Curriculum I clearly stated that the report would be given the widest possible circulation and that all interested parties were being given every opportunity to submit their views and observations on the report's recommendations. The recommendations will be examined by my Department in conjunction with the views submitted and in the light of the findings of the Primary Education Review Body which is due to report shortly. When this examination has been completed I will be drawing up a comprehensive strategic plan for the development of primary education. In the meantime it would not be appropriate for me to respond in a piecemeal fashion to individual recommendations of the report.