Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming here to discuss junior cycle reform. Deputy McConalogue touched on the NCCA recommendation for 60% external assessment by the State Examinations Commission and 40% internal assessment which would be moderated by the SEC. I have not heard the Minister explain why he chose not to adhere to those NCCA recommendations. I ask him to outline the rationale for that decision as a starting point.

I have a question on the ongoing assessment in terms of portfolios. I presume this will require some changes to school infrastructure in terms of security to store portfolios over a three year period. What resources will be allocated to enable schools to carry out that task?

I have a question about priority learning units, PLUs, the learning units for children with special needs. How many does the Minister envisage having? How will a student be assessed as having a need? Will schools share PLUs? How will they operate? What funding is being allocated to them?

The three points are: the reasons the Department did not go with the initial NCCA; the changes schools will need to undertake in terms of storing and security of portfolios; and the question on the PAUs.