Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Why is the Taoiseach taking such a hardline stance? Teachers are the professionals. They are the folks who know about the matter. Given the bind we are in, the Minister will end up sitting down with the teachers. She will return to the negotiating table and the issue will in all likelihood be resolved at some point. We should listen to what the teachers are saying. The implication of the Taoiseach's reply is that in some way they do not want to do the extra work. That is not the case. I am concerned that the training and funding necessary for the proposed changes have not been provided. We stand on the principle that assessments should be external and standardised, but teachers of English are required to implement the framework for the junior cycle English specification after receiving only one day of in-service training. We should not take lightly the fact that 730 schools will close tomorrow. The principal responsibility for resolving the difficulties lies with the Government. The teachers have reiterated their support for a first-class junior cycle for all students, including a move away from reliance on final written examinations and the promotion of different types of assessment such as more practical project and portfolio work. Teachers are innovative in how they approach their work. It is not enough to say the Government or the students did not call the strike. We know that. This comes down to the Government digging in on a position - I do not know the basis for it - that teachers have to assess 40% of their students' work. Surely that is bridgeable. I again ask the Taoiseach to review his stance. This is the time for the Minister to try to avert the strike tomorrow. She should speak to the unions this afternoon and evening, listen to their fears and concerns and deliver on what they are saying.

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