Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It has to build up, obviously. It is already happening in respect of languages. Not only do students take an oral examination, but they now also take an aural examination. I have asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to ascertain whether 50% of the marks in the leaving certificate Irish examination could be awarded for the oral examination. That would change dramatically the manner in which Irish is taught and learnt. None of the proposals can be introduced immediately because we need to bring about a sea change in teaching and learning. I have asked the council to prioritise mathematics, Gaeilge and science. I would like progress to be made in those areas very quickly.

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