Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the theory of intelligent design; her plans to introduce intelligent design in both the junior certificate science curriculum and the leaving certificate biology curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33449/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Every day in this job I learn something new and this is one of those.

I understand that proponents of intelligent design theory assert that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection. Those who favour this theory claim that the complexity of the natural world can be plausibly explained only by assuming an intelligent designer. Critics regard it as creationist theory reinvented to appear as science. I understand that intelligent design is not a recognised scientific theory and I can inform the Deputy that I am not aware of any plans to include it in the second level science curricula.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, has a statutory role in advising on the curricula to be taught in schools. Following the advice of the NCCA, a revised junior certificate science syllabus, with a strong emphasis on hands-on investigative approaches and on science process skills, was examined for the first time in 2006. The NCCA, as part of the senior cycle review, is currently examining the leaving certificate biology, physics and chemistry syllabi. I understand the revised syllabi in these subjects will, in addition to a number of other changes, have an increased emphasis on science process skills and on an investigative approach to the teaching and learning of science.

Intelligent design does not feature in either the junior certificate science syllabus or in the current leaving certificate biology syllabus. Instead, students learn about the theory of evolution.

It is accepted as a core belief in many religions that God created the human race. For the majority this is not seen as being in conflict with the theory of evolution. My Department has no wish to challenge the beliefs of individuals in this area. Rather, the approach is that within science, the emphasis is to explain phenomena through a well established process of observation and experimentation under controlled conditions, and the theory of evolution is taught in this context.

There is scope for other views and beliefs to be explored in the context of religious education. It should be noted that the national syllabus in religious education developed as an optional examination subject for students of all faiths or of none, includes a specific section on religion and science. One of the aims of this is to explore the tensions between science and theology and to focus, in particular, on such issues as Darwin's theory of evolution.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I welcome the Minister's confirmation that there are no proposals to introduce this in the area of the science curriculum which is the concern of many people. Will the Minister take it upon herself to ensure, through her inspectorate, that in the post-primary schools there is no attempt, despite the exhortations of quite a number, to introduce by the back door or otherwise the theory of intelligent design or creationism in the science curriculum? What happens in the religious doctrine classes is a separate matter altogether.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of any pressure to introduce it at all into the science syllabus or of any school which is attempting to introduce it as part of the science syllabus. I did not know where the question came from but I am glad I have had the opportunity to learn about it.

Looking at other countries, in the United States, for instances, it was rejected as a science and could not be promoted. The Council of Europe has also stated that creationism is not based on facts and does not use any scientific reasoning. In the UK, they say it is not a recognised scientific theory, and it is not included in the science curriculum but can of course be used in religion.

I can confirm for the Deputy that it is not part of the syllabus, there are no proposals to make it part of the syllabus and I am not aware of any pressure to include it in part of the syllabus.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I want to ask a question related to intelligent design. The Minister produced a nice document on all the plans for schools in Dublin North.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Why do I feel this might stray beyond the parameters of the question?

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I do not think so.

Deputies:

Straying into architecture.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Whether or not we discuss intelligent design, we need a forum in which to do so and that forum is normally the school. Has the Minister planning permission for any of the schools which she has promised the people of Dublin North or is she, like the Minister for Health and Children, full of plans, promises and reviews but no action?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is not related to this question.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As a Christian, I believe God created it.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Fingal.