Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 130: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the policy in place on the rights, if any, of children on the autistic spectrum to be taught some level of the Irish language, including children who attend ASD units attached to primary schools and who join mainstream classes for certain subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29595/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is policy of my Department that all children attending primary and post-primary schools which are recognised by my Department should be taught Irish at a level appropriate to their ability unless otherwise exempted from the study of Irish in line with the provisions of Departmental circulars 12/96 for the primary sector and M10/94 for the post-primary sector.

Children on the autistic spectrum range from children who are high functioning and who have exceptionally good facility with language to those who are low functioning and may be non-verbal. Those who are at the higher functioning levels would be expected to be taught the full curriculum, including Irish, while those at lower functioning levels may be exempted from learning Irish where their circumstances meet the criteria for the granting of an exemption.

John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 131: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to review the teaching of IT and computer skills at second level, including plans to review the existing curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29600/11]

John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 132: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to utilise the opportunity provided by a revised junior certificate programme to allow for students to experience courses such as IT, computer science or computer engineering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29601/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment advises that ICT is not a stand alone subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects, and this is in keeping with international practice.

The NCCA has developed an ICT framework for schools setting out the skills which students should acquire at different levels across the curriculum. This is supported by the Council's action website which sets out practical examples of how ICT can be embedded in teaching and learning across the curriculum. The schools ICT programme is continuing, under which €92m was provided in infrastructure grants to schools between November 2009 and the end of 2010. This programme provides investment in professional development for teachers (12,000 places for teachers were provided in 2010 alone), an e-learning handbook for teachers, the schools broadband programme and extensive digital resources on the Scoilnet webset.

I have just received the advice on the NCCA on the future direction of junior cycle, and my officials are examining the proposals at present and identifying the resource implications. Once these have been identified and the Government has been informed, a process of engagement will begin with the partners in education on implementation plans. One of the objectives of the reforms is to promote increased creativity and innovation and better embed ICT across the curriculum. There will also be the opportunity for short courses to be provided by schools, and each subject will be assessed by means of a written examination and a portfolio. Taken together the reforms will present further opportunities for strengthening ICT across the curriculum.