Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator O'Toole in regard to the issue he raised on which we should have a further discussion. I ask the Leader to try to arrange a debate with the Minister for Education and Science on her Department's assessment procedures and how it carries out assessments, particularly in State examinations where the problem lies. Another discussion on how we assess special needs students at junior and senior levels is overdue. Rather than going back to the courts, this is a way forward. I have no doubt the Minister would agree with our thinking in that regard and I would like her to come to the House to clarify the situation.

Perhaps we should have a further discussion on adult education and the direction in which we are going because there are many pitfalls in this area as well as duplication of courses which should be streamlined. A full discussion with the Minister on all these issues would be very worthwhile.