Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

I join in the calls to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to the House for a debate on the education system. Will the Leader ensure the issue of multiple intelligences is to the fore of the agenda for that debate? I have heard calls in the House for compulsion in respect of science, mathematics, foreign languages and other subjects. The theory of multiple intelligences, on which my master's degree is based, recognises eight intelligences in children and adults. Unfortunately, we are not to the fore in this country in ensuring the education system caters for all intelligences. In Germany, for example, much greater heed is taken of the various intelligences. Each intelligence, be it science, the arts, languages or anything else, is as important as any other. Likewise, the left and right sides of the brain are equally important. Some place a greater value on the mathematical side of the brain because of the needs of the economy. However, we must also acknowledge the social side which recognises the person and places a duty on the Government to everybody on earth. I ask the Leader to ensure these principles inform the debate. The theory of multiple intelligences should be recognised in the education system.