Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A personal political decision. I recall the Minister describing it as a personal political project. The Minister is outlining that in the first three years the first three subjects will continue to be independently assessed.

In no way do we want the junior certificate to be a terminal examination. Much progress has been made to ensure students get to leaving certificate level. However, we want the learning to be centred around the student and absorption. I see no reason why we should go down a path whereby the credibility of the benchmark, assessment and examination is undermined and the Minister should engage seriously in that regard.

I am aware of the view the of Minister but he should listen to other people. As we start the process the Minister should give confidence to people such that the process will not be undermined. Without the Minister admitting that, he should say that he will listen to those concerns and ensure they are responded to. Otherwise, that confidence will not be there.

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