Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach admitted a year ago that the leaving certificate was inflexible and that a new system was needed. Here we are, after two years of no traditional leaving certificate, as it is called, and now the Government is absolutely determined, against the wishes of 68% of students, to drive through a return to a so-called traditional leaving certificate. In addition to the usual anxieties that cause more than 50% of students to suffer from physical or mental illness as a result of the leaving certificate, are inadequacy of preparation and so on. The announcements did not even include mention of extra third level places to reduce competition. Instead, what is proposed is a recipe for massive points inflation, severe pressure on students and the continuation of this unnecessary rat race. Will the Taoiseach please reconsider the position and provide the investment to ensure that there will be places at third level for all who want them?

See this speech in context