Vol. 490 No. 7
56 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to request the NCCA to develop a programme particularly geared to the needs of pupils with disadvantages highlighted in numerous reports within the primary education curriculum. [11114/98]
The curriculum which is currently being implemented in national schools is a flexible curriculum which is amenable to adaptation so that the teaching and learning can be matched to individual pupil's abilities and levels of attainment. The revised curriculum, the process of implementation of which will begin in the next school year 1998-99, caters for a similar differentiated delivery. A specific issues booklet entitled Differentiation is being prepared at present by the NCCA and will give guidance on ways in which the curriculum can be adapted to meet the needs of children from different circumstances and backgrounds and with varying abilities, needs and levels of attainment. A committee of the NCCA has been established to draw up documentation on pupils with special learning needs and disabilities.
In addition to this curricular flexibility, my Department supports schools which are designated as serving areas of disadvantage through a general grants scheme which provides additional funding for teaching and learning materials and for the promotion of liaison activities.
