Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion. Notwithstanding the differences between the teaching unions and Minister, the proposals for junior cycle reform are exciting and present an opportunity to think outside the box. The purpose of the reform is not to achieve rationalisation, such as has been required in all other Departments and areas of the public sector in recent years, but to introduce new ways of learning and measuring learning. It takes account of the changes in society since 1989, which seems like only yesterday. It is scary to think that time seems to pass much faster than in the past. This may be connected to the abundance of information and many accoutrements available to us now. We have computers and mobile telephones and new forms of communication. Immense changes have occurred.

Socially, young people have changed in the way they receive knowledge and information. We need to equip them with different types of tools for learning. One of the buzzwords we hear is that learning is "lifelong". Students do not stop learning when they learn poetry for an examination. Instead, they are empowered and enabled to embrace learning as a lifelong endeavour. There is something new to learn every day if one has the right disposition and attitude. This facilitates thinking outside the box.

The proposed junior cycle reform is an exciting development. I initially agreed with the arguments presented against the reform by teachers, perhaps because I am a little old-fashioned. Ireland has a fine education system as the achievements of the country attest. Young people who were educated under the current system and subsequently moved abroad are performing in an exemplary manner in many walks of life. I hope many of them will return to our shores and help us to build the country as the economy improves.

Despite the strike action proposed for tomorrow, I have no doubt that discussions can make progress. The Minister has an appetite for achieving a solution. Deputy Neville referred to the thought, focus, research and consultation that has been invested in the reform proposals by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the statutory body with responsibility for the curriculum. The NCCA also studied other jurisdictions with high levels of educational attainment and high performing education systems. I have no doubt a solution to the current problems will be found. Strike action is not the only way forward. This is a democracy and we must talk. Teachers are competent and capable of teasing out the issues. Many education professionals support the implementation of the proposed measures in respect of the junior cycle, as opposed to the leaving certificate cycle, which is a high stakes examination that leads to other paths in life.

Education is a lifelong process and our attitude to it can be affected, formed and assisted by the proposals for junior cycle reform. Given that teachers are the guardians of the education system and have done great service to the country, I remain hopeful that a resolution will be found and they will be given the resources they need to deliver the type of reform we would all like.

The amalgamation of small schools is an issue that needs to be addressed. The resources available to small schools for school transport and teaching resources are pitiful. These schools are basically left to their own devices. With enrolments declining, the amalgamation of small schools is causing acrimony in communities and among parents, patrons and boards of management. I am privy to information concerning a particular amalgamation and it appears people are being left to fend for themselves. While there are good reasons for amalgamations, support must be provided to the schools concerned. I ask the Minister to examine this issue because the current approach is unacceptable.

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