Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Broadly speaking, there were only ever three options when it came to the future of the leaving certificate examination. The first was to keep the examination as is, the second was to go for a mix of examination and assessment and the third was to abolish the examination and introduce a policy of open access to third-level education, based on increased investment and offering a place to all who wanted one. Following the student protests of recent years, the first option was never a serious runner. The students did for that one. The Government was then left with the option of either reforming or abolishing the examination. I believe the Government has made the wrong choice.

To be clear, I welcome the introduction of drama, film and theatre studies onto the curriculum, as well as climate studies. I am not so mad about there being no proposals to teach more Black and Traveller history, and that there is still no comprehensive, objective sex education. I put it to the Taoiseach, however, that the Government is choosing here to patch up an examination system that deserves to go and failing to take the opportunity to genuinely open up third-level education now to all who wish to go.

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