Eoghan Harris (Independent)

Given the amount of criticism public bodies get in this country, I am sure the Leader, on behalf of the House, will be keen to record his appreciation of the manner in which the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment discharged its public duty yesterday. Despite having to operate in the middle of a media firestorm, it held its nerve and advised the Minister to retain the poetry of Cathal Ó Searcaigh on the leaving certificate syllabus. The council's consideration of all the issues involved, which lasted less than two hours, took place in a calm atmosphere. We should not under-estimate the amount of courage it took to reach this decision, which marks another important step in the maturing of our society, in such a calm manner. It may seem like a small decision, but it was actually quite a big one. I spoke to a person who was at the meeting, who told me that their heart was lifted by the calm and steady way in which the matter was considered. I am particularly glad to pay tribute to the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland, which is often criticised, on its willingness to ensure that the teachers and pupils of Ireland can be trusted to debate and discuss all the issues involved.