Mr. Eamonn Moran:

As Mr. Hammond already mentioned, short-term measures are being taken with regard to some of the components of the leaving certificate applied. However, it is felt that the leaving certificate applied's future will be more adequately and appropriately addressed in the context of the wider reforms of the senior cycle. No one is suggesting that there is not a place for a programme such as the leaving certificate applied. While the numbers are low, they are steady. It is offered by approximately one third of schools and schools are encouraged to offer it. It is being looked at in the context of the wider review. However, there is no suggestion that there is no place for the leaving certificate applied.