Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and her officials for coming before the committee and engaging on a variety of issues we requested. The first issue I raise relates to the leaving certificate reform that was announced last March, which she referred to in her opening statement. She will be aware that one of the proposals is that leaving certificate paper one for Irish and English will be dealt with at the end of fifth year. Some recognition has been given to the idea this could disadvantage boys because of the perceived failure of boys to mature as fast as girls when they are at the age of 16 or 17 and coming into taking their leaving certificate. Is that an issue on which the Minister has engaged? Is she concerned about it or does she think sitting these papers at the end of fifth year will not disadvantage any group?