Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I support my colleagues' request that the Minister for Education and Science come to this House to discuss the matter of school assessment. It is regrettable we have received only a partial report on the pilot scheme which has been in place for a number of years. It is worth noting that all partners in education welcomed participation in whole school assessment. However, it is unfair of sections of the media to isolate particular items within that report and to infer that something was wrong with any particular school.

It is further regrettable that representatives of certain parents groups cannot accept the report as a partial one and have criticised the efforts and endeavours of what has been made public. It is important that the Minister for Education and Science comes to this House as a matter of urgency to clearly outline his Department's intentions regarding what will happen with future publications.

I ask the Leader to seek assurances from the Minister for Education and Science on a related matter. Information made available today indicates a shortage of experienced markers for junior and leaving certificate examinations. We know the majority of markers will be students or recently graduated personnel. This will lead to similar situations as arose in the past of very serious inconsistencies within subject areas and grading. It is important the Minister makes every effort to deal with this matter.

Recruitment in this area commenced last November-December. It is unsatisfactory that the Minister and his Department have left it until a few days before the examinations commence to indicate there will not be an experienced panel of markers for our junior and leaving certificate examinations. It is important the Minister clarifies the position as a matter of urgency.