Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
280 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is true that a new commissioned research paper for the NCCA on a new common integrated language curriculum for primary schools has found that the modern languages in primary schools initiative was in fact a model of best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25051/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra281 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he now accepts that the 2008 NCCA report called the Modern Language in the Primary School Curriculum Feasibility and Futures November 2008 did not in fact recommend ending the MLPSI and that the NCCA in fact supports the MLPSI and believes it should be continued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25052/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.
As the Deputy is aware a 2008 Report by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) identified serious issues with curricular overload at primary level. The NCCA's advice recommended that, for the present, modern languages should not be part of the Primary School Curriculum as an additional and separate subject. The primary curriculum is currently being reviewed by the NCCA in the context of "Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life", the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. The NCCA has commissioned a number of reports to support the development of the new primary language curriculum. These reports are due to be published on May 29 and their content will guide the work of the NCCA in this area.
This Government does not plan to review the decision to end the Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative.
