Top of the class minister: McHugh rejects advice on history

There has hardly been a moment when the need for an informed understanding of history, of how countries work together or fail together, was as important. Some of Brexiteers’ statements, particularly the MPs who would have enjoyed a career untroubled by public attention but for the upheavals of the day, are examples of what happens when ignorance stands in the place of competence.

President Trump is, frighteningly, an example of what happens when lavish inheritance makes an education seem unimportant.

In that context, Minister for Education Joe McHugh is to be congratulated for rejecting advice from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and insist that history retains a “special core status” in the junior cycle as we suggested he might last week.

His decision follows suggestions the subject might be “downgraded” and new arrangements allow schools decide whether pupils could study history or not.

Just as with Irish, many students have a negative experiences with history. If Mr McHugh’s decision is to have the

desired impact classroom practice may need to be reviewed too. It also seems fair to suggest if the organisation entrusted with mapping out our children’s education — the NCCA — imagines history might be an optional extra it needs to check its compass. And before figures as dangerously limited as Mark Francois or Priti Patel are elected to the Oireachtas.