Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
557. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to review guidance issued to schools as part of the national literacy and numeracy strategy in order to increase the length of time spent on literacy and numeracy in schools to 120 minutes, as promised in the programme for Government. [12833/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy (2011), the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment was asked to issue guidance on a revised time allocation for subjects in the primary school curriculum that would provide increased time for literacy and numeracy advice. That advice is due in 2016. More generally, I have asked my officials to bring forward the review the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy to 2015 from 2016 in view of the significant progress made in meeting the targets set in the Strategy in 2011. With effect from January 2012 and in line with the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, all primary schools are required to spend 6.5 hours for infants (with a shorter day), and 8.5 hours per week for students with a full day on the development of literacy skills, particularly in the first language of the school. At post-primary level circular 25/12 emphasises that literacy and numeracy are cross-curricular skills which can be supported across the curriculum. It also provides that students should have access to an English lesson every day and that in addition, students in Irish-medium schools should have access to an Irish lesson every day.
