Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, has a long-standing arrangement with the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, CCEA, whereby joint meetings of the two bodies are held periodically. One of the NCCA's strategic goals is the promotion of links with the CCEA. No joint initiatives are under way at present. The two councils previously engaged in joint work on the use of mobile telephones to support the teaching of Irish and on guidelines for schools in supporting exceptionally able students. My Department funds An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, COGG, to co-ordinate the provision of teaching resources for Irish-medium schools. COGG works in partnership with the CCEA to jointly plan the development of resources, where appropriate. COGG has recently agreed to invite the CCEA to appoint a representative to its board to further develop this partnership. Three bodies - COGG, the CCEA and An tÁisaonad in St. Mary's University College in Belfast - have developed a database of all resources available for Irish-medium education on the island of Ireland. An early literacy programme is being developed by the three organisations. The first stage of the programme will be available in September of this year. COGG and the CCEA share all teaching resources.

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