Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I confirm I am in Leinster House. I thank Mr. Tattan for his opening statement, which will be very helpful at this stage of the leaving certificate review that the committee is undertaking. Mr. Tattan will understand we have been at this for some weeks. I want to put to Mr. Tattan some remarks made by a speaker at a previous meeting from the world of business. That person stated there were literacy and numeracy deficiencies in students at third level and graduate level who are entering the workforce. This was quite an alarming remark to hear with regard to third level graduates. Does the Department have a view on this? Are there areas that can be improved?

The other part of this conversation is that the committee members are at a disadvantage on the basis that the considerable research the Department has undertaken is not available to us in the context of the review the Department undertook. I do not think any member of the committee wishes to undermine the integrity of the leaving certificate process or its reputation. It has served us extremely well. There are, however, areas in which I believe we can improve and lessen the burden on students. In his opening statement I think Mr. Tattan referred to certain of the newer subjects being assessed on a continuous basis through the senior cycle, which is obviously beneficial in the context of the terminal exam. Is there a view within the Department as to what balance or percentage might be appropriate in the context of leaving certificate reform right across all subjects in order that the terminal exam is not such an impactful, burdensome exam for students in the future?