Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before the joint committee. Mr. Hanlon stated his worries that students may not pick history. It is a case of history repeating itself, because I went to a technical college and neither history nor geography was on the curriculum, more moons ago than when Deputy Ó Ríordáin was at school. We never had an opportunity to study history. I have spent my life playing catch-up in history and geography. When I left second-level school I did not know a river or a mountain because we did not learn them. To this day, if I go to a table quiz I tell the team that I am weak on history and geography. One will carry what one learns in history and geography right through life. History does not change. Once one has learned it and it is in one's head, it is there for the rest of one's life. It affects one's life if one does not have knowledge.

The report on the reform of the junior cycle states clearly that students are happy with history and it is one of the most popular subjects. I wonder if the witnesses are worrying too much and underestimating the choices students will make Why are the witnesses worried that students will not select history and geography as subjects?