Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have two questions from Senator Flynn who had to leave. She stated we know the biggest consequence of the flaws of our education system is the impact of the leaving certificate on students’ well-being, anxiety and stress and oftentimes depression has become a permanent feature in senior cycle students’ leaving certificate experience. She also stated we have no choice but to reform our system. She further stated she believes there is a great opportunity, and still does, to radically reform the assessment process of leaving certificate students. She had a question for the NCCA. She asked if a representative could speak to the advisory report where the NCCA notes access and equality. For instance, she was not sure of the strategies the NCCA is employing to achieve this. Ms Forster might elaborate on that and on how much consideration has been given to students with learning disabilities even with the proposed changes. The emphasis of the current system on rote learning for students with learning disabilities had an obvious disadvantage.

Moving on to the SEC, she stated she personally supports the alternative pathways to higher education. She further stated we know there is a major inequality in the leaving certificate system with those who can afford private and additional support performing better than those from disadvantaged backgrounds who often fall through the cracks. She asked if, in the representatives' opinion, there is scope to include other pathways to education. Ms Forster might respond to the Senator's first question.