Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

There is general acceptance in the education sector that the secondary level, in the junior and leaving certificate cycle, must be reformed. However, the calls for reform have come from the third level sector, particularly the universities. There is not much point in reforming the junior and senior cycles and, by extension, the leaving certificate and the Central Applications Office, CAO, unless there is buy-in from the third level sector. In that context, I met the heads of the seven universities - I have yet to meet the heads of the institutes of technology but I will be doing so - in order to involve them in the process with the NCCA so that we might reach an agreed understanding of the kind of educational inputs, formations and structures which would be appropriate in respect of the type of learning outcomes to which the Deputy refers and which would be put in place at second level. We must also arrive at an agreement regarding how this will be assessed and how it will be interacted with at third level in order that there might be a progression through second level and into third level. In that context, whatever system we put in place must meet the needs of the universities.

There has been a disconnect in this area. The reform of the junior certificate cycle is proceeding and I am awaiting the reports relating to it. However, we must, at the next stage, integrate whatever changes take place with entry to and passage through third level and further education.

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