Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. It is not surprising that this subject would be debated in this House. I hope the Minister will find something helpful for his future decision making. Many people are surprised that even though they are committed to the fairly radical reform of the junior certificate curriculum, they are disappointed that history is to become a casualty of that. History is a living subject that is relevant and central to every aspect of our lives. That is underlined by every programme I hear on the radio or watch on television on which someone such as Professor Diarmaid Ferriter is brought in to give a perspective. So it is clear that it is not a cold subject existing in isolation. We always regarded history as allowing us to learn from and be inspired by the past, and also be deterred from making mistakes that were made in the past. Given that it has been so central to society, not having it would deprive young people of having knowledge of the past and in a way being prepared for the present at the same time.

It is quite clear that it is not just educators and legislators who are debating history not being a core subject in the junior certificate curriculum, but parents and even young people are also doing so. In this decade of commemorations of events, including those in 1913 and 1916, it would be very surprising to suggest that the teaching of history in schools might be diminished. Millions of people are accessing the 1911 census and will hopefully be able to access the 1926 census in the very near future. That is also history because it is not just a matter of knowing about their roots; they are also giving a context to an environment and an era. History is all around us. If people think that history is less important - I will not mention the other subjects that are more important - that has to be debated.

Further to what Senator Power said, I would like to think that the Minister having come to this august assembly today, might be able to go back to the drawing board with his officials in the realisation that there are helpful and strong opinions on the subject that Ireland would the poorer for it and young people would be deprived if that subject is not given the appropriate status. As the Minister is a reforming Minister, he will realise that reforming does not necessarily mean sidelining something that is important to our lives. I hope he will take that on board.