Education Minister Joe McHugh has confirmed that he is ordering a review into the decision to remove History from the core subjects of the Junior Cert.
History was to be removed as a mandatory subject under the new junior cycle reforms, leaving Irish, English and Maths as the only core subjects.
However, Minister McHugh said last weekend that he will ask officials to review the change.
Speaking at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis, Minister 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.”
Minister McHugh said that he is looking forward to meeting with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on the matter.
President Michael D Higgins was among those who expressed concern that history will no longer be a core subject at Junior Certificate level.
“A knowledge and understanding of history is intrinsic to our shared citizenship,” the President said.