Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
196. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education her views on ensuring that the findings of the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and other reports on institutional and organised abuse are incorporated into post-primary curricula; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3191/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am supportive of proposals for memorialisation and agree that the legacy of abuse that has been uncovered by Commissions of Investigation should never be forgotten. The Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate subject specifications for History provide flexibility and opportunities for the findings of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission report and other reports on institutional abuse to be explored. The specifications allow teachers to integrate these issues into their teaching and discussion and to encourage reflection in them. The new Leaving Certificate specification for Politics and Society allows for consideration of contemporary or topical, political issues as they arise. This provides further opportunities for learning in the area. In Transition Year there is also flexibility to design relevant learning experiences for students in this area.
