Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the primary substitution panels, I think 610 posts have been provided for and 151 panels are in operation at present. As I said throughout the previous two years, where a specific issue is identified in an area in regard to capacity and the need to provide for more, we are open to engagement on that. Some areas, from a geographical point of view, can be more challenging than others but every step of the way over the past two years we have sought to increase the number of both posts and panels. We are open to doing that on an ongoing basis as the need might arise.

On the senior cycle, I do not wish to repeat myself but I think there has been great clarity from all sides regarding the need for senior cycle reform. People have been unequivocal in that regard. One of the singular issues identified by students themselves - at the end of the day, senior cycle reform must be student centred - related to spreading the assessment load. In other jurisdictions, such as New Zealand, or in our leaving certificate applied, there are opportunities for students to experience the spread of assessment load at the end of fifth year. On the specific issues the Deputy raised with regard to Conradh na Gaeilge, my Department and officials meet that organisation on an ongoing basis and will do so specifically in respect of the issues it wishes to highlight in this context.

It is not sustainable for students to feel that everything depends on how they will perform on just one day. The opportunity for them to take a certain portion of the exam at the end of fifth year will lessen the weight placed on them. As I said, we have seen this work well both in other jurisdictions and in some of the other offerings we have at senior cycle. The change is student centred and will allow students to showcase their talents and skills equally over two years, rather than feel the pressure of one exam at the end of sixth year.