Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Advice on prescribed material for the junior and leaving cert exams is submitted to the Department of Education and Science by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Prescribed texts are notified to schools a number of years in advance and must be notified in time to ensure that educational publishers are in a position to provide an adequate supply of texts.

Poems belonging to the person referred to by the Deputy are on the prescribed list for the 2008 and 2009 leaving certificate examinations. As students may already have done considerable work on them, it would be unfair to change the list at this stage. This poet's work has been included in the prescribed texts as it is nationally and internationally recognised. The NCCA has looked at the poetry and considers it suitable and appropriate for its intended audience. It will, however, be advising on a new list of prescribed texts for future years.

The primary criterion for inclusion of texts as part of the prescribed literature is literary merit. Texts must also be accessible, interesting and challenging for students, and be suitable for assessment in accordance with the learning objectives of the curriculum.

I am aware of the controversy surrounding the poet referred to in the question and I am conscious that I should not make any statements in this House that could be deemed to be prejudicial in the event of any proceedings arising in this matter. I accept the social, personal and health education course in particular aims to equip students with an awareness of their rights and responsibilities, and the values, knowledge and skills for ethical decision making. I am also conscious of the need for positive role models for our young people.

The issue is complex and must be considered carefully and in a measured way. I look forward to receiving advice from the NCCA shortly on the texts which should be prescribed for leaving certificate Irish in future years.

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