Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

All of the education partners in the junior cycle, many people outside it and many Deputies in this House have welcomed the proposed changes, including the system of moderation.

The only two who have not welcomed it and are opposed to it as far as we can see are two teachers' unions. Deputy McConalogue keeps referring to the need for consultation. I believe in consultation but at the end of the day, politicians make decisions. Sadly, for the past 25 years, there has been no reform of the junior cycle because some people regard and spell consultation as "negotiation". It is not the same. There will be plenty of consultation but at the end of the day, politicians on this side of the House make decisions and are accountable for them. I am happy to be accountable for the decisions I have made following the professional advice I have received.

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