Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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33. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to adjust the optional nature of history for the junior cycle; his views on the findings of the report of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19835/19]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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40. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the position of history at junior cycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19841/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 40 together.

In November of last year, I met with officials from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and asked that they undertake a review of the optional nature of History in the Junior Cycle. As part of their review the NCCA has also been asked to identify how we can best promote the study of history in our schools.

The NCCA Council is currently considering the draft report, and following their consideration, I look forward to receiving the advice of the Council on this matter.

I will consider the advice of the Council in detail before making a final decision in this matter.