Laois Offaly criticism of farming omission from new Leaving Cert subject

Farming is not mentioned in a draft specification for a new Leaving Certificate subject - Climate Action and Sustainable Development, according to Independent TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan who strongly criticised the omission.

Dep Nolan was reacting to the draft curriculum Specification for Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development which she said does not contain a single reference to the words, ‘farm,’ farmer’ or ‘farming.’

Dep Nolan was speaking after the draft was approved for public consultation by the National Council for Curriculum (NCCA). The consultation period runs until, April 5, 2024.

A statement from Dep Nolan said the NCCA says that as part of the broader reform of senior cycle, it is envisaged that the new specification for Climate Action and Sustainable Development will be introduced into schools on a phased basis from September 2025.

“The omission of any reference to farms or farmers is stunning and alarming and it clearly reveals a deep ideological blind spot within the Draft text,” said Deputy Nolan.

“Indeed, the only two references to agriculture at all are in the context of 'the role of Irish agriculture in conservation of biodiversity, climate regeneration and climate breakdown,' and 'agricultural intensification'.

“This draft curriculum represents a radical level of climate alarmism indoctrination that is not sufficiently balanced or appropriate in its current form.

“I will certainly be raising my concerns with the NCCA and asking it to clarify if the consultation process which it claims involved “engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders across Ireland” included any of the farming representative organisations,” concluded Dep Nolan.

The NCCA is a statutory body of the Department of Education.

The NCCA advises the Minister for Education on curriculum and assessment for early childhood education, primary and post-primary schools and assessment procedures used in schools and examinations on subjects which are part of the curriculum.

It says this advice is developed through research, deliberation, consultation and networks. It is not responsible for implementation.