Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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14. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will update Dáil Éireann on the roll-out of the junior certificate reforms in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43781/15]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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According to the last report, only one quarter of schools would be in a position to engage in the roll-out of the junior certificate reforms - English, science and business subjects - from next spring. Where does the situation stand, given that the Minister does not have the confidence of a major trade union, ASTI? What is she doing about this?

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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In September 2014, implementation of the junior cycle commenced with a new specification in English and the availability of a number of short courses. Talks with the two main teacher unions continued during 2014 and 2015 and the 2015 junior cycle framework was published in August 2015. Agreement was reached with the leadership of the two unions in May 2015 on revised reform proposals and supporting implementation resources in July 2015. Following a ballot of members in September, these proposals were accepted by members of TUI and rejected by members of ASTI.

A comprehensive professional development programme to support junior cycle is being rolled out. This includes seminars for school leaders, whole-school continuing professional development, CPD, subject-specific seminars, teacher-led CPD and school visits. In September 2016, new specifications for business and science will be introduced for implementation in schools. Only English is going ahead this year. TUI members are participating in the CPD programme following the outcome of their union ballot. The ASTI has recently engaged in a consultative process with its members on the junior cycle proposals following the outcome of their ballot.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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This is a major policy of the Government, but the Government is ending and nothing has been achieved. There is still a great sense of uncertainty. Second level is a critical time in a child's development. How will it be handled, given the importance of the learning programme in teenage years? Will the Minister take any initiative in the coming months either to advance the programme or address the grave concerns that have been put to her by the ASTI and its members in recent years?

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Implementation has commenced in respect of English. All of the other education partners have supported the changes. We held detailed negotiations with the unions. A relatively small percentage of ASTI members voted. They have rejected the proposals despite the fact that their leaders signed up to them. We are continuing to engage with the leaders, who are engaging with their members to determine whether any issue needs to be clarified. We are available to provide that clarification.

I am determined and reject the suggestion that we have not succeeded in making progress. We have done. Implementation has commenced in the schools and will continue. It will change the way that teaching and learning happen in the classroom. It will be of great benefit, in particular to students who are in danger of being alienated from school because of the old system in which the written exam was the be all and end all. There will still be a written exam, but there will also be a practical assessment in the classroom.

I intend to provide whatever clarification the ASTI needs and hope it will be able to participate in the programme in the near future.