Athlone's Mary O'Rourke is welcoming his decision.
The Education Minister says he does not believe History being optional is right for our schools or the times we live in.
Joe McHugh has decided to give the subject a 'special status' in the Junior Cycle.
It goes against the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment which believes studying history should be optional.
Former Education Minister, Athlone's Mary O'Rourke says Minister McHugh made the right decision:
Two Offaly Women Selected For National Nature Restoration Portrait Series
Westmeath Town Band Opens Recruitment To New Members
Laois Disability Centre Fails HIQA Inspection In Four Regulation Areas
Offaly Community Group Aims To Support Young People’s Physical And Mental Health
New Brian Cowen Biography To Be Launched In Offaly Tonight
Midlands Homelessness Figures Record Slight Monthly Increase
Credit Union Lending Surges As Mortgage Growth Continues Amid Merger Wave
37% Of People Aged 25 To 64 In The Midlands Leave School Without Third-Level Education