Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

On the issue of PISA, I have noted what the Opposition spokespersons had to say on the matter. I introduced new educational measures with regard to our teaching standards, our entry requirements into teaching, an extension of the degree programme, BEd, to a four year programme, greater interventions by the inspectorate, a new probation service and I have instructed that in our curriculum development the emphasis now must be on literacy and numeracy. That education policy was announced by me two weeks ago. We will have an opportunity on Thursday for a considerable amount of discussion on educational matters through the Student Support Bill, and also parliamentary questions, at which stage I will be more than happy to give further information to the Deputy.

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