Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I cannot see information from standardised testing being used in any way on the release of information. Information from standardised testing should be used for the benefit of children as learners and for the benefit of teachers. This information should be given to parents who could guide policy at national level, perhaps as a sampling basis. I would never envisage a situation where schools would be required to give information about the results of the standardised testing. I referred the matter to the NCCA for its collective advice. It was on foot of this that it suggested the two class years, at the end of first class and the beginning of second or at the end of fourth class and the beginning of fifth etc. It is important that decisions are made by local schools. The last thing we want is to have a national day of standardised testing for seven year olds, but it will be school based.

There are issues that must be overcome. We discovered that schools are using 22 different tests and information is neither being collated nor used in a proper way. Obviously teachers need to be trained in dealing with the issue. We also need to ensure there are tests which are appropriate for gaelscoileanna, for which there are none at the moment. There must be examples which teachers could use. As soon as the NCCA gives me its final advice — it is at an advanced stage — I will be able to proceed with the training of teachers. I intend to move on the issue as soon as I get co-operation from the partners.

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