Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

As has just been discussed, senior cycle redevelopment is about recognising and meeting the promise of education and enabling students to navigate the dynamic and ever-changing world around them by helping them to develop their talents, skills and understanding. Every child is different and has different abilities and, by bringing in these additional assessment components, we will make sure every child has the opportunity to show that. Senior cycle redevelopment will also reduce pressure on students by moving away from single exams worth 100% of the marks. It builds on a significant amount that has been done on additional assessment. There are 28 subjects in the established leaving certificate that already do this. I benefited from it when I studied art and music and know how positive it can be when a student is not solely focused on the 100% exam. I am sure many others here know that as well. I and many others believe pausing senior cycle redevelopment would not be in the interest of meeting that promise. That is why it was confirmed in April that the programme for redevelopment will proceed. Importantly, at that point I provided students entering fifth year in September, and their parents, with clarity and certainty. They have chosen their subjects and know what they are doing and that this change is taking place.

Senior cycle redevelopment is already under way. It is important to stress that. Students began to experience the changes from September 2022 when changes were made to the leaving certificate applied and vocational as well as the revised transition year programme statement ,which is now in place. We are seeing record levels of transition year participation. Regarding the school year just concluded, we know that students have been able to access modules at levels one and two of the senior cycle for the first time. These are children with additional educational needs and it is very welcome that we now have this for the first time. Both teacher unions have been heavily involved in the redevelopment programme from its outset and I am grateful to them for their intensive engagement, not only in recent months but through many years.

The Deputies referred to the ASTI ballot result but I point to the fact the TUI voted in favour of the planned support measures by a margin of 73% to 22%, while the ASTI members voted to reject the package. Senior cycle redevelopment has also been strongly supported by students, the National Parents Council, the Ombudsman for Children and many others.

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