Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 51: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps her Department is taking to educate children regarding cruelty to animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18885/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At primary school level, social, environmental and scientific education enables the child to learn and practise a wide range of skills; and to acquire open, critical and responsible attitudes, including caring for animals. In particular, the science curriculum seeks to cultivate in children an appreciation of, and respect for, the diversity and interdependence of living things. Children are given opportunities to observe, discuss and identify animals, both in their immediate environment and in other environments, and so come to an understanding of the needs of animals for growth. Through the science curriculum, children also come to recognise that people, plants and animals depend on each other.

At second level, Civic Social and Political Education (CSPE) is a mandatory subject for junior cycle students and it is an examinable subject for the Junior Certificate Examination. Focusing on concepts, attitudes and values, the programme aims to develop the moral and critical values of the student. In the CSPE — Guidelines for Teachers, animals are listed as one of the topical issues in the section dealing with rights and responsibilities. Action projects undertaken by CSPE class groups have dealt in detail with the responsibilities of animal owners.

Also at junior cycle, one of the aims of the Science syllabus is to "foster an appreciation of, and respect for, life and the environment". Derived from this aim, and building on the primary science curriculum, one of the objectives of the syllabus is that "The student will develop a knowledge and understanding of "the nutritional needs of plants and animals and their interdependence".

In the senior cycle, the Biology syllabus affords students the opportunity to continue to explore the diversity of life and the inter-relationship between organisms and their environment. One of the aims of this syllabus is "to enhance an interest in, and develop an appreciation of, the nature and diversity of organisms". The syllabus also aims "to develop in students an ability to make informed evaluations about contemporary biological issues". Agricultural Science aims to give students an understanding of animal biology and the syllabus contains a section dealing primarily with the welfare of domestic farm animals. In the course of their work, teachers in different disciplines use various support materials produced by bodies such as the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Compassion in World Farming.