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

That was the problem. I accept the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has moved away from that approach in a certain direction, but there should be no preconditions in terms of meaningful negotiations and working through these particular issues. It is that sort of dictatorial, arrogant approach, which has been the hallmark of the Government, that leads to such conflict situations and strikes where we do not need them. Teachers are well aware of what is being proposed, but they are not aware of any detail at all on the 40%. The countries the Taoiseach mentioned have externally moderated systems, although I accept there is not external assessment in some countries. External moderation is comprehensive and well resourced and significant preparatory training was provided. There has been a complete absence of any of that in regard to this issue.

Deputy McConalogue, as an Opposition spokesman, has been very constructive on the issue for some time, but he has identified many of the weaknesses in the past two years in terms of how the Government has approached the matter. There is no let up now, in terms of the manner in which the Taoiseach answered my question. I appeal to the Taoiseach to go back to the drawing board with the Minister for Education and Skills and engage in a respectful way on the issue with the trade unions and members in order that we can have all the stakeholders on board to ensure meaningful reform of the learning and teaching process.

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