Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
344. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the person or body that are the people making the decisions on the teaching of Irish in T2 schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33265/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the role of the NCCA to advise the Minister for Education in matters relating to the curriculum for early childhood education, primary and post-primary schools and the assessment procedures employed in schools and examinations on subjects that are part of the curriculum. It participates in international networks, engages in research, prepares discussion papers and consultation papers, engages in development work with schools, provides policy advice, and prepares specifications for approval by my Department. Consultation with stakeholders is a key part of its work.
Following extensive stakeholder consultation, new L1 and L2 specifications for Junior Cycle Irish were introduced in September 2017. Due the disruption to learning and cancellation of the summer 2020 and 2021 Junior Cycle examinations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic it was not possible for students to engage with the final assessment component which is set by the State Examinations Commission until this year. The cohort of students who have just this past fortnight taken Junior Cycle examinations are therefore the first to have engaged with the full range of learning and assessment experiences in line with the specifications for Junior Cycle Irish.
As part of the ongoing cycle of curriculum redevelopment, the NCCA reviews the enactment of subject specifications by conducting interim reviews once each subject specification has been experienced across the three-year span of their Junior Cycle. The purpose of such reviews is to capture feedback from teachers, students and stakeholders on their experiences of the new specifications.
In February 2021, the NCCA opened a public consultation on draft L1 and L2 specifications for Leaving Certificate (established) Irish. In response to subsequent stakeholder requests, the NCCA extended the timeline for this consultation and also undertook to conduct an early enactment review of the specifications for Junior Cycle Irish. Accordingly, the NCCA commissioned Dublin City University to conduct this review which I am advised is expected to be completed later this year. The draft report, will in due course, be presented to NCCA Council for consideration.
