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

I am afraid the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Quinn, are living in their own bubble regarding their views on the reform of the junior cycle student award. I attended one of the 12 meetings that took place throughout the country. There were attendances of 50, 60 and 70 people at the 12 meetings. The Minister has before him a survey by a reputable polling company telling him that 60% of parents believe that independent assessment at junior cycle level should continue. The Minister, Deputy Quinn, has not been listening on this issue. He tried to dismiss it as a concern of teachers alone and said that the parents to whom he had spoken did not have a concern. The evidence is available now to indicate that parents believe independent assessment should continue. I asked transition year students for their views and the majority of them believe independent assessment should continue. The way this issue has been handled is unfortunate.

It is time the Minister and the Minister of State started to listen to the views of others on this issue. Reform is about more than just the Minister for Education and Skills.

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