Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views that the teaching of history plays a vital part in the literacy and numeracy strategy currently being implemented as part of the school curriculum and that it is essential in developing critical and analytical based independent thinking. [25108/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The literacy and numeracy strategy acknowledges the importance of applying literacy and numeracy across the curriculum, including in learning history which, I agree, promotes both critical and analytical thinking.

The deputy's question may arise in the context of debate in relation to junior cycle reform. The NCCA's mandate includes reviewing the current junior certificate and advising on the scope for reform which would provide for a more active learning experience for students, the promotion of deeper understanding, creativity and innovation. I hope to receive the Council's advice shortly on how all aspects of students' learning can be improved at junior cycle including the critical and analytical skills identified by the deputy. I am determined that we will use these reforms as a blueprint for improvement, not least in literacy and numeracy, and I believe that teaching and learning history will continue to play a very important role in our schools, both primary and post-primary.