Mr. Pádraig Mac Fhlannchadha:

It will be difficult for schools. It will be very difficult to see how a school can meet the requirements of statement of learning No. 8, particularly when one looks at the elaboration of that statement, which states that using the different types of evidence and materials the student look at the lives of both famous and ordinary people in the past and can see how local, national and international communities change over time, how people act to bring about change and how these changes may be connected with each other and with current events and developments. It continues by specifying that the student will be aware that he or she inherits the values, beliefs and traditions that go to make up his or her culture and of the importance of respecting the cultures of others. It is very difficult to see how that statement of learning can be made without giving students the opportunity to engage in historical study. I know that other subjects are meant there, but it is very clear that this is directly linked to history.

A comprehensive programme of continuous professional development will be implemented to support the implementation of the junior cycle, which will commence with English in September 2013. There is a commitment of €10 million per year for the continuous professional development of teachers, deputy principals, principals and others during the roll-out of the new junior cycle. Each subject teacher will receive the equivalent of three days' continuous professional development, which will be either on-site or off-site.