Vol. 467 No. 2
122 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education the consideration, if any, she has given to the funding of curriculum in development in environmental education; her views on the funding of regional environmental education centres in view of the growing need for environmental awareness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13002/96]
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is the body responsible for curriculum development for first and second level schools and is funded fully by my Department.
Since 1971 social and environmental studies has been an area of major importance in the primary school curriculum. Development of environmental awareness is an important objective of this curriculum and will receive even greater emphasis in the revised curriculum. The White Paper, Charting Our Education Future, indicates that in accordance with their abilities and aptitudes all students will have experienced, at the end of junior cycle, a knowledge and appreciation of their social, cultural and physical heritage and environment. Environmental education is covered in many areas of the curriculum at junior cycle.
The Department of Education does not fund environmental centres. However, an extensive network of environmental, education and interpretative centres has been developed throughout the country under the aegis of the Office of Public Works and other state agencies. This work will be continued by the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. The services offered by these centres are very useful from an environmental awareness point of view and are widely used by schools.
