Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Teaching plays an important role in this regard. This is not a case of the Minister imposing by diktat something that has been considered. Compromise has been brought about because she has engaged with teachers and listened carefully to what they have had to say. I recently spoke to somebody from a country which had changed the entire structure of examinations to one where boxes were ticked and papers corrected by computer. That is not possible with an essay or under the structure in place here. The Minister has changed the proposal to assessment of 40% of a student's work. Teachers know their students better than anybody else and are professionals. Assessments by teachers cover 100% of work in a range of subjects in many other countries. Teachers here are being asked to assess 40% of the work done by their pupils. The training element included is very important in allowing teachers to do a professional job for their students. The strike is avoidable and could be called off today. It was not the students, the parents or the Minister who called the strike; it was called by the teachers. The proposals on the table are the consequence of the Minister having engaged and listened. She thinks the proposals are very reasonable and asks the teachers to proceed with them. She is always willing to engage with and listen to teachers' groups and unions. I appeal to them to call off the strike today. The students who were in the Visitors Gallery a few minutes ago do not want the strike to proceed.

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