Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

With regard to this year's exams I welcome the fact that the unions have not set any further dates for strike action but they have not suspended their industrial action and therefore, we cannot be certain. However, it is my strong hope they will not proceed with any further action and that there will be no disruption this year. The unions will recognise that we are very close to the exams and it would be very important not to disrupt the schools.

I refer to the procedures for the new junior cycle proposals. English is the first subject and the new proposal commenced last September. Therefore, it will be more than a year before any school-based assessments are expected to be undertaken. Within that time period we should be able to address the issues around assessment. In the meantime the teachers have commenced implementation of the reforms in the classroom. Continuing professional development is available for teachers and I hope they will engage in that offer because it is designed to assist them.

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