Mr. Geoff Browne:

Regarding Deputy O'Sullivan's question about engaging with the NCCA, the National Parents Council has a representative on it and we are invited to participate in all the working groups. I have had the good fortune to be a part of the computer science working group over the past 12 months. We are content with how that will be assessed, in that it is a 70:30 split. The 70% will be for the terminal exam, but there will also be a project worth 30%. It is heading in the right direction. We have representation on the NCCA's senior and junior cycle working groups.

I agree with my colleagues that, from a parental point of view on continuous assessment, we are not advocating monthly or weekly assignments. The word "continuous" should probably be dropped and replaced with something else. I will repeat the example I gave earlier. I did construction studies and that model worked well, in that there was the day practical, a project and the terminal exam. The continuous assessment has to be defined and resourced and training must be provided.

I cannot concur with Deputy McLoughlin enough on apprenticeships. Try getting a plumber or electrician. It cannot be done. Those trades people probably earn more than all of us put together.