Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The teachers' representative organisations are part of the educational partners consultation group and provide partners, including the ASTI, with a formal medium for assisting in the planning of the phased introduction of the junior cycle. This is proof of their involvement in a consultative process. Meetings are held approximately every month. At these, the partners have an opportunity to highlight their key concerns. In addition, the ASTI is represented on the NCCA's council and subject development groups. At these meetings, the future shape of the curriculum is considered and findings are presented to the Minister.

I take the point made by the president of the ASTI. It conducted a survey of teachers, the response of whom was clear and has been acknowledged by the Minister, but Mr. Breslin stated that, while it was clear from teachers' responses that some aspects of the Minister's framework had the potential to improve the educational experience of young people in junior cycle, teachers were resoundingly stating that this potential was contingent upon assessment and certification procedures that were fair, transparent and, critically, did not undermine educational standards. There is cross-party agreement on this point, given the fact that the House has passed a motion supporting the junior cycle reforms. The Member opposite voted in favour of those reforms. There is a process of consultation.

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