Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, agree with colleagues regarding the mortgage interest rate increase in AIB although I would go further and say Government-appointed directors were asleep at the wheel. They should consider their position. They are there a long time, having been appointed in the dying days of the previous Government, and are not serving the public interest.

It would be preferable if they could come before this House to explain themselves. The public do not have confidence in AIB and neither do I. That institution must do a better job, as it is predominantly a State-run bank. In the light of the amount of taxpayers' money that has been invested in it, it has a responsibility and a clear role to play in getting the country back on track.

I take the opportunity to welcome, in advance, the announcement due to be made at 2 p.m. of a radical overhaul of the junior certificate programme. I have always believed it is mad to put young people aged between 13 and 15 years through the type of examination process which obtains at junior cycle level. A system of continuous assessment is required. I do not believe in the notion of regurgitating certain information just for the sake of obtaining a particular grade in an examination. I would prepare young people to be able to engage in critical analysis and also to be in a position to interpret information properly. These are important life skills which will stand young people in good stead in the future. I agree with the sentiments expressed by previous speakers on mental health issues and physical education. I would go further and state I am not completely comfortable with the notion of the Irish education system becoming Americanised. There may be a lot wrong with the education system, but there is also a great dealt that is right with it. We produce some of the best qualified and world renowned scientists, engineers, computer experts, etc. However, an education system must evolve continually and in a reflective way. It would be far better if we proceeded with a process of continuous assessment within the education system. I look forward to the Minister for Education and Skills outlining his plans in detail at 2 p.m. Let us hope the type of thinking that has been engaged in with regard to the junior certificate will also be brought to bear in reforming the leaving certificate programme.