Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move:

That Dáil Éireann:

— notes that the previous Government examined axing the junior certificate examination structures as a cost-saving initiative and that such axing of the junior certificate examination structures was the starting point of the current Government until teacher unions began a campaign of opposition;

— is concerned that the Minister for Education and Skills is refusing to listen to legitimate concerns of teachers who are expected to deliver reforms, which has created the impasse in the negotiations;

— notes that strike action by teachers is due to take place on 22 January and further notes that this action is not being undertaken lightly;

— notes that teachers have engaged previously in strike action and other forms of industrial action on an ongoing basis, which undermines the delivery of the proposed changes, including not attending the CPD training organised in connection with the junior cycle framework proposals; not attending planning meetings associated with the JCFP; not engaging in any aspect of school-based assessment for the purposes of the junior cycle student award; not engaging in any development or delivery of the new junior cycle framework short courses;

— acknowledges that the Minister for Education and Skills has moved previously on the issue of junior cycle reform;

— recognises that reform and modernisation of the junior cycle is needed in order that the education system is fit for students today;

— notes that schools and teachers are stretched beyond capacity within the current educational framework which has suffered enormous cuts to resources under the Government’s austerity budgets, including a further 1% cut in capitation grants this year;

— commends teachers for continuing to work for their students under difficult circumstances;

— further acknowledges that students’ education may suffer if teachers are expected to deliver reforms they are not adequately resourced to deliver and in circumstances where, in the absence of agreement, there is ongoing industrial action; and

— calls on the Minister for Education and Skills to postpone further implementation of junior cycle reform until all outstanding matters are resolved with the teachers.

Before I begin, I must point out that I am not aware of any motion put forward by the Government in response to my party's motion. I presume that the Government will table such a motion, but I have not yet seen one. I will be speaking without having seen the Government's motion.

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