Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)

The Government is literally using support measures for senior cycle reform as a negotiating tool. These are essential for any reform. There will be a significant impact on students' experiences of senior cycle reform. As someone who has experience in the field, I am of the view that this senior cycle reform is absolutely destined to fail. The package includes fast-tracking permanent contracts for new teachers, more middle management in schools and changes to the hours under the Croke Park agreement.

The Government seems to have a great plan to alleviate teacher shortages and continues to boast about this. Now, however, it is saying that it is not going to do so unless there is compliance with leaving certificate reform. The Government is playing students off the teachers. The measures do not go far enough; they are simply not enough. What is happening now forcing teachers to support senior cycle reform. A teacher informed me yesterday that instead of addressing the very real concerns many teachers have regarding the pressing issues with rushed reforms, it feels as if they are being bullied to concede. He said that their students deserve better, and so do they. This could possibly be the issue that defines Deputy McEntee's legacy and Minister for Education and Youth. I do not want her to rush it.

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