Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to ensure that all schools have a comprehensive policy on racism, anti-racism and intercultural education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27950/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Department has been active for a number of years in promoting anti-racism and interculturalism in schools. A range of actions are in place to promote anti-racism and support the participation of newcomer students and Travellers in education. These include

information for schools on the integration of newcomer students and Travellers

extra resources for schools to support the needs of students for whom English is not the mother tongue, including the employment of additional teachers in primary and post primary schools in this area

provision of detailed guidelines for primary and post primary teachers, developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, on how the existing curriculum can be mediated and adapted to reflect the emergence of an expanding multi-cultural society.

supports provided by the Reception and Integration Agency to assist in the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into schools.

resource packs for schools prepared by organisations such as the National Consultative Committee on Anti- Racism and Interculturalism

a video for second level schools highlighting excerpts from the Mono TV programme

materials and training for teachers through funding the work of Integrate Ireland Language Training and other bodies

expanding provision for language and literacy tuition for adults for whom English is not the mother tongue through the VEC literacy services.

The revised curricula at primary and post primary levels provide ample opportunity to extend students' awareness of the wider world and to learn about the lives and histories of people in other countries, and of their contributions to art and science. In particular, the Social Personal and Health Education programmes at primary and post primary levels, are designed to prepare students for participatory citizenship and to develop the skills of critical appraisal and decision-making based on human rights and social responsibilities. They also promote respect for human dignity, tolerance for the values and beliefs of others, and a celebration of diversity.