Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader indicate whether the Minister for Education and Science will be coming before the House before the recess? Reports in today's newspapers indicate there is going to be a change in the variety of assessments used at leaving certificate level and that the NCCA proposes to abolish the transition year and the LCVP. Among the new assessment methods listed by the NCCA are written, oral, aural, portfolio, etc. I do not know what other methods are being proposed as the new way forward. The Minister has wasted €648,000, of which €44,000 was given to guest chairpersons, to promote himself at 17 meetings throughout the country. How can we have any confidence in him?