Department Of Education To Review Making Junior Cert History Optional
The Education Minister announced last night that the Department of Education is to review making history an optional subject for Junior Cert students.
Speaking at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis last night, Minister Joe McHugh said: "If we're talking about the future, we have to know about our past, we have to learn from our past.
"Not just the past of 100 years - we're talking about contemporary history as well, and our recent past. I'm committed to that review."
The junior cert cycle has changed dramatically over the last number of years, and as recently as last September, history has not been considered a 'core' subject.
The only compulsory subjects are Irish, English and Maths.
Since Minister McHugh's announcement at the CityWest Hotel last night, there have been some reaction from people who say it's important for children to know the history of the country - President Michael D Higgins is one of those who has expressed concerns.