Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

On standardised testing, does the Minister agree that there appears to be an obsession with testing rather than genuine assessment in regard to primary school children in particular? Does she agree that if we go down the road of other countries, teachers will spend their school day, which in primary schools is approximately five hours per day, writing up reports, carrying out assessments and doing tests rather than providing quality teaching time, and that no attempt should be made to reduce that teaching time within the school day?

When we talk about standardised testing and assessment of children, is she aware that there are children in estates throughout the country, including in my constituency of Dublin North-Central, where 52% of children are not even ready for primary school? From day one, when they enter the primary school system, they are already years behind. Will the Minister focus the extra resources and attention on these children in these areas? When dealing with the issue of standardised testing, she should encourage teachers and parents to focus on reading and literacy as a major priority. She should focus the resources on early childhood education.

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