Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is what is possible when there is a vision, strategy and people with a commitment to make these things happen. That is what is desperately needed in this State and this Government.

When I raised this issue with the Taoiseach this morning, he acknowledged that teachers are professionals. That means that they are the specialists. They know about the job, career and vocation they have. Is iadsan na saoránaigh a chaith na blianta fada faoi oiliúint chun a bheith ina múinteoirí agus a chaith blianta eile ag cruinnithe taca lucht an chórais oideachais. Yet the Taoiseach and Minister have drawn a line and refused to listen to teachers' genuine concerns about being forced to assess 40% of their students' junior cycle work for certification purposes. Teachers have reiterated that their support for a first-class junior certificate for all students and given their support for a move away from their alliance on final written examinations and the promotion of different types of assessment, including more practical project and portfolio work.

I do not understand this because the reforms are broadly progressive in thrust and we support them. Why stop short? Why put these reforms in jeopardy with a demand that the teaching unions sign up to this assessment proposition? That effectively imposes a veto over the negotiations. I am sure the teachers do not want to strike. They know a strike will disrupt almost 330,000 students, 30,000 teachers and the families of both teachers and students. If implemented and properly resourced, the reforms, including proper assessments, could greatly enhance the school curriculum and the learning experience of students. The Minister dismissed the notion of funding and spoke about coming back from cuts.

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