Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans to extend the CSPE examination from the junior certificate to the senior certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2588/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Civic, social and political education is part of the core curriculum for junior cycle students. It was introduced in September 1996 and first examined in the junior certificate examination in June 1999. As the Deputy knows, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment submitted to me its proposals for the future development of senior cycle education last year. This advice, which is based on extensive consultation and research, includes a recommendation that the range of subjects offered for leaving certificate should be reviewed to establish the new subjects which should be added. It specifies civic and political education as one of the first new subjects that should be considered. The national council is advancing its proposals for senior cycle reform. It has prioritised civic and political education by placing it in the first phase of subjects to be addressed. I understand that an education officer with a specific remit for civic and social education was recently appointed and that work has already begun on this aspect of the reform. There is a need to provide senior cycle students with opportunities to build on the foundations laid in the junior certificate civic, social and political education course and to further develop their knowledge and understandings of citizenship, based on human rights and social responsibilities. I will be advised on how to proceed in this regard in due course by the national council.