Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach would probably agree that the greatest aspect of the State examinations system, at both at junior certificate and leaving certificate, is its absolute objectivity and transparency. Every child, irrespective of background, is treated and assessed equally. I would agree with Mr. Fintan O'Toole, writing yesterday in The Irish Times, that it is "as close to being incorruptible as anything gets in Ireland". Changing such a system, even at junior certificate level, merits the most careful of consideration. I understand where teachers are coming from in their concerns about this because this is a major change in assessment which no doubt will have an impact on the student-teacher relationship.

It is also fair to put on the record that over the past ten years there have been significant reforms, at both junior and leaving certificate levels. At junior certificate, there was the introduction of a new science syllabus, the introduction of Project Maths, group work at CSPE, etc. It is not that teachers are always against reform. They have embraced reform and reform has happened.

The problem here is that the former Minister, Deputy Quinn, caused a lot of bad feeling when he ignored the recommendations of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA. He announced the new model unilaterally without consultation and would not engage with the trade unions, and a lot of doubt and bad feeling was created. In fairness, the Minister, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, acknowledged that in her announcement by reverting back to the original proposals of the NCCA, and now there will be a final examination and State certification for 60% and 40% will go on projects and portfolios. Parents are concerned about this also. In a survey, 60% of parents stated they did not want teachers their own pupils' work. There are a lot of issues with this.

The Minister has imposed a precondition and has stated that is her final position. She will not engage in talks unless the teachers accept this 60:40 divide. There is no detail in terms of external moderation. There is no substance behind it and I can understand the scepticism of teachers in relation to it.

I ask the Taoiseach to remove that precondition. He should say to the Minister for Education and Skills that she should engage in talks with the unions without conditions. That could prevent the strike happening next Tuesday. We do not need a strike next Tuesday on this issue if there is an acceptance all round that there are very serious issues at play here and all stakeholders must be brought on board. That is the fundamental question I put to the Taoiseach. Will he remove that precondition to ensure meaningful talks can take place on this issue?

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