Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the principle behind this amendment in terms of transparency in how the process of standardisation would operate.

However, the amendment seeks to have the process of standardisation published in advance of results day. This is not something that can be agreed to as the final composition or application of the process will not, or at least may not, be known right up to the day of the results.

I can commit, at a minimum, to doing what we did last year in having the technical detail of the model and standardisation process published on results day. I am also happy to commit to publishing any other information on the process of standardisation in advance of results day. That is what I was clear we would do, and any information that could be published in advance of results day can be published in advance.

We will be able to comment more on what it would be hoped to publish on the standardisation process once the standardisation process for 2021 has been developed. However, it is an iterative process and the algorithm used for the standardisation process will not be finished until the end of that process. Accordingly, I cannot accept the amendment as drafted.

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