Mr. Barry Slattery:

I accept that. Difficulty is a rather subjective thing as well. People perceive some subjects as more difficult than others and yet, some students study those subjects. There will always be reasons for students to study different subjects, to consider one subject more difficult than another and to look at it in terms of efficiency when trying to get points. The important thing for us in responding to this is to preface our response by saying it is beyond our remit to advise on whether a bonus points initiative should be introduced here. It is beyond our remit to advise on that. We cannot offer a position on it here because our council has not discussed it. We are receiving considerable feedback on it and other systemic issues. They will all be collated and everything will be reported in the consultation report. While we may not be able to act on it, the report will shine a light on the issues and draw attention to them for those who will be able to progress the issues.