Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There is pageantry and choreography to these setpiece events in the Chamber. As an Opposition spokesperson, there is a little jousting and political point scoring. That is fair enough, but every Deputy acknowledges the need for junior cycle reform and wants it to go the right way and to be based on consensus and consultation. There should be proper continuing professional development for teachers if they are to embrace a new way of teaching.

The assessment aspect will be concerned with improving learning outcomes and not just proving them, if the Deputy knows what I mean. The role of the ASTI and teachers in this will be paramount. It is the most important role. We want to ensure that there is ongoing consultation with teachers and their representative organisations. There is a mechanism to this end as the junior cycle is rolled out. I do not know whether I can elaborate further.

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