Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 4

Written Answers. - Gender Equity in Education.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

300 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, that has been made with regard to implementing the recommendations in the report of the working group on the elimination of sexism and sex stereotyping in textbooks and teaching materials in national schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department is examining the specific recommendations of the report on the elimination of sexism and sex stereotyping in textbooks and teaching materials in national schools in conjunction with the proposals of the report of the second Commission on the Status of Women.

The elimination of sexism and sex stereotyping in textbooks and teaching materials is only one of a number of initiatives aimed at gender equity within the education system.

A resource pack is being prepared for primary schools which will include

—a copy of the report of the elimination of sexism and sex-stereotyping in textbooks and teaching materials,

—guidelines for teachers on equal opportunity for boys and girls,

—the gender action research report,

—EU action research programme on equal opportunities in primary education — gender influences in classroom interaction

—EU action research programme on equal opportunity in primary education — equal opportunities for girls and boys in the primary school curriculum.

I hope to launch this pack shortly.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has a special remit to ensure that sexism and sex-stereotyping will be eliminated from the curriculum.

Sub-committees are currently examining the primary school curriculum to advise on the necessary reform and restructuring of the curriculum at primary level.