Mr. Gary Ó Donnchadha:

Yes, I will. I agree wholeheartedly on points made about the confidence and experience of the young person who has come forward to engage with the democratic process, which is music to the ears of the Department in the context of the new politics and society programme it is running.

This is not a disengagement from the mocks. We are trying to find an appropriate balance among the free right of providers to exist and to provide all manner of supports to schools in the way of resources and materials, the solemn responsibilities of the State Examinations Commission and the care the Department needs to show in responding to needs.

The issue of the change in junior cycle is fundamental here. We have brought the assessment and feedback conversation right back into the three years of the junior cycle. In the future it will not be a case of waiting for the big bang at the end of the three year cycle. I accept that it is an important experience and that going into an exam hall is a daunting experience, but there will be a huge amount of conversation. Unlike when the Deputy and I did our junior certificate examinations, there will be ongoing conversation and dialogue with the teacher as well as these structured tasks, assessments and pieces of work and positive and supportive, scaffolding feedback from the teacher pointing out how the work can be improved and developed. There is a much better ongoing conversation with learners during the course of the junior cycle at relevant key points and the arrival of the examinations is not a falling over the cliff situation or a date with destiny. It is a more natural continuation of the assessment conversation they have had.

On the issue of adding additional time, the State Examinations Commission did provide reassurance. I will hand over to Mr. Aidan Farrell on that issue.