Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

There are some statistics available on the number of subjects junior cycle students take. I will make them available to Deputies later to better inform them of the situation.

The Deputy is correct that we have suggested that schools, on a voluntary basis, could reduce the number of subjects in which junior certificate examinations are taken to figure out the implications of the cap. Students from September 2014 will be the first cohort of the new junior certificate.

We are looking for a new name for the certificate. I have invited the Irish Second-Level Students Union and its president, Leanne Caulfield, to come back with a proposed name, as they are the people who will have to sit the examination. I want a new name for it to indicate it is not a revised or reformed course but a different type of course.

I am happy to meet with all the stakeholders. However, to ensure the meetings are productive, the stakeholders should meet first with the relevant sections of the Department dealing directly with their concerns. This will allow us highlight and identify the issues which require a political response rather than just clarification.

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