Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the great work of your committee, a Chathaoirligh, on an ongoing basis and in a variety of capacities, specifically on senior cycle reform but also on the myriad of other issues you pursue and your helpful co-operation and collaboration with my Department in that regard. As for senior cycle reform specifically, I acknowledge the enormous body of work the NCCA has undertaken, a body of work that took almost five years to complete and involved extraordinary engagement with a variety of stakeholders, including schools and students directly on the ground, and the widest remit of partners in education. I have met with the NCCA and received its report. There is a considerable body of work to be done in analysing the report, and clarifications might need to be sought. It is my intention to expedite that as a matter of priority. I will do that in the shortest timeframe possible. I appreciate that this will facilitate the work the committee wishes to pursue.