Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

People have different views on these issues, but it is ridiculous that we have come to such an impasse over changes that have been flagged for years and are ready to be rolled out to schools. Students are stuck in the middle. I understand that the teacher unions and the teachers themselves are nervous about change. Change in education can be exciting and important, but it should also be treated carefully. Each set of students only gets one run at first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth years. A great deal of research has strongly and uncontentiously made the case that we need to change the junior certificate. We have a serious problem with the grinds-focused leaving certificate. From the first year of the junior cycle, children focus on getting enough points, picking their subjects and making decisions on their third level courses. This will not change unless we are willing to examine the junior cycle. I support the idea of having fewer third level courses and shaking up the CAO system, but as long as there is a State exam for 15 year olds, 12 year olds will be thinking about it. That is wrong.

There must be a compromise. This is not neurosurgery. I am surprised that the process has fallen down on the issue of assessment. The real issue is resourcing. The Joint Managerial Body hit on this in its submission. The school managers have been discussing it as well. I am concerned about it. Will all schools have the resources to teach short courses? Will it be equitable? Will there be enough training? The Minister mentioned 16 days, but will that be 16 days over the entire period to 2022? Technology is another issue. All of these questions are more important than assessments. As Deputy Daly stated, the stakes in third level are much higher, in that one leaves with the degree that will determines one's job, yet exams there are marked by one's own lecturers.