Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a report from the NCCA recommending that all 450,000 primary school pupils should be tested for literacy and numeracy in first class and fifth class; if she intends to implement this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13006/05]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the introduction of standardised testing at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12953/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 129 together.

Within the past week, I received the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, on standardised testing in compulsory schooling. This advice contains a number of recommendations all of which complement the NCCA's ongoing work on supporting assessment in schools. Standardised tests offer real potential to improve the quality of teaching and learning in our classrooms, to assist parents in supporting their children's progress and to provide system level data on pupil achievement.

I intend to consider the advice of the NCCA carefully and to consult, as appropriate, before making any decisions on implementing standardised tests as a requirement in primary schools.