Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I knew that would cheer him up. The first I heard of Connolly and Larkin was not in the classroom but at the fireside from my late uncle. At that time history was taught by people who had their own views. The opportunity for students and teachers to spend extra hours in a classroom to debate, discuss and consult will ensure a better learning atmosphere for those who chose to study history for the junior certificate. The proposals provide an exciting opportunity for students.

I support Senator Daly's point on whether young people have a knowledge or interest in our country's history. Speaking in a personal capacity, I feel that one's interest in history grows with age. People become more interested in history as they move on in life.

Students are entitled to make choices. Senator van Turnhout and Senator Clune referred to the fact that secondary education is now a race for points. Unfortunately that is the case. Many students select subjects that they feel will get them 600 points to do medicine or whatever. In my opinion, education is about sharing knowledge and preparing people for life. I will finish by being the third person to quote from an article in today's edition of The Irish Timesby Professor Tom Collins. It is on the issue of history as part of the junior cycle. He states:

The single most important attribute a young person should have acquired at the end of the Junior Cycle is a love for learning. Compulsion of any sort is likely to diminish this possibility. There is a difference between what a student should do and what a student must do.