Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Senator Reilly is a very good example of how the study of politics can lead to an interest in politics and to being a national representative. I am in a position to answer some of the Senator's questions, but I will convey the other questions to the Minister, Deputy Quinn. I thank the Senator for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline the position with regard to the inclusion of politics and society as an examinable subject for the leaving certificate. The Minister, Deputy Quinn, has decided to include politics and society in the suite of leaving certificate subjects available to schools. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment provided his Department with a syllabus in mid-2011. At the time the NCCA noted that it was investigating some options relating to the new syllabus and its introduction to schools. The task force on active citizenship in 2008 had recommended that a citizenship programme be introduced as an exam subject at senior cycle. It has not been possible to introduce the new syllabus, however, because of the prioritisation of the reform of the junior cycle, Project Maths and Irish. The Minister wishes to prioritise the introduction of the politics and society subject. The Minister has written to the NCCA to obtain its advice on the 2011 syllabus, the results of the investigative work and the need, if any, to update the syllabus.

Students in the new junior cycle should learn to value what it means to be an active citizen with rights and responsibilities in local and wider contexts. A new specification for civic social and political education is being developed by the NCCA. This will be additional to the current CSPE syllabus. Such CSPE provision acts as a follow-on from the strand, entitled Myself and the Wider World, in the primary sector. The Minister believes it is logical that there should be a seamless transition to senior cycle in this very important area, hence his recent announcement.

More than 97% of post-primary schools have student councils which can be a medium for students to put into action what they learn in CSPE and what they will learn in politics and society. As active citizens, students have a deep interest in how their country is run, especially since the recession, as well as an interest in decisions and in understanding how such decisions will affect their future. If students participate in the study of the new politics and society course, this will give them an insight into power and decision-making, active citizenship, human rights and responsibilities, as well as globalisation and localisation. The subject curriculum will examine aspects of sustainable development with a focus on the merits or otherwise of changes in the students' communities. In 2010, the international civic and citizenship education study, Ready to Engage?, found that Irish 14 year olds ranked seventh out of 36 participating countries. Students are curious and interested in politics and society. For this reason the Minister is of the view that the new syllabus should be included in the suite of leaving certificate subjects.

Many of our universities offer degree courses in sociology, political science and other areas whose content is very relevant to the politics and society syllabus. Education departments in many of these institutions have supported the postgraduate diploma in education to provide training to teachers in the active teaching and learning methodologies required for teaching CSPE. I am confident that much of the necessary expertise in content and methodology required to support the supply of teachers of politics and society exists in our system. This may answer Deputy Reilly's question. The Minister has prioritised the introduction of politics and society at senior cycle. Until he receives a response from the NCCA, however, it is not possible for him to say when the subject will be available to schools.

The introduction of the new subject of politics and society will enhance the suite of subjects available to senior cycle students. It will inform them about politics and society from a local, national and international perspective. It should develop their ability to become reflective, critically informed and active citizens.