Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Upton for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline to the House the position with regard to the introduction of the leaving certificate technology programme in post-primary schools. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed a new syllabus at leaving certificate level for technology. Previously, this subject was only available to junior certificate level. The subject was first introduced in a number of selected post-primary schools in September 2007 and will be examined for the first time by the State Examinations Commission in June 2009.

A technology subjects support service has been established to support schools in the implementation of the new syllabus. The national co-ordinator is supported by a team of assistant national co-ordinators, regional development officers and associate trainers. The introduction of this syllabus is a welcome development and will be an important element for students taking the subject to leaving certificate level.

Fifteen additional schools were invited to introduce the leaving certificate technology syllabus in September 2008 as part of a phased implementation plan. Drimnagh Castle secondary school was one of these 15 schools. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, appreciates that the school is keen to get the funding it needs to allow the full syllabus to be introduced without delay. The implementation of a new subject in the school curriculum requires careful planning and consideration. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, any such expansion in the curriculum can only be carried out in the context of available funding. The Minister is pleased to confirm that the Department was recently in a position to grant aid the second phase of the introduction of leaving certificate technology to support the 15 schools which have introduced this subject. This will allow the schools to teach this subject to students who wish to develop their skills in this very important and developing area. Drimnagh Castle secondary school was among the schools to receive this grant aid and the Minister looks forward to the students in the school being able to pursue the syllabus to leaving certificate level.

Once again I thank the Deputy for providing me with the opportunity to address the House on this matter and to give her some good news.

See this speech in context