Mr. Paul Rolston:

I do not think "the floodgates opening" is an appropriate phrase. It is far from that. People are taking a considered view of these matters. The fact of the matter is the senior cycle has changed. There is already ongoing assessment in several subjects. There are portfolios and other aspects as opposed to a terminal examination. The requirement for a calculated grade arose from a situation that had to be dealt with. It was discussed and accepted by everyone around the table as being reasonably fair to everybody and there is reasonable confidence in it. The discussions have to continue. We will learn a lot from this year. Crises often bring opportunities.