Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the proposals of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment for reform of the leaving certificate, particularly in terms of dealing with pressure on students, drop out rates, the maths crisis and tackling educational disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19755/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 100 together.

It is essential that our education system is positioned to maintain excellence, relevance, quality and inclusiveness in a changing climate. I have just launched DEIS, a focused five-year plan to combat educational disadvantage. It is important that the implementation of senior cycle reform would complement and further this work.

The NCCA proposals are ambitious and far-reaching. Senior cycle reform has the potential to promote greater inclusion and effective participation, to provide greater curriculum balance and choice and to contribute to a more positive learning culture in schools. I recognise that potential exists to improve the senior cycle education experience. It is crucial that reforms will promote cohesion and equity in society and enable students to develop their talents, prepare for adult life, for lifelong learning and employment in the knowledge society. The education system must also continue to play its part in promoting Ireland's competitiveness and growth. These are major considerations of fundamental importance to our future, and our children's future.

It is vital that the implications of the proposals be considered thoroughly and that changes adopted are effective in supporting strategic change which promotes increased relevance, quality and equity in the system. I am having the NCCA's advice fully examined within my Department. I want to ensure that change is carefully managed, well-resourced and that the best elements of the current system, including public confidence in its integrity, objectivity and quality, are retained. I will engage in further discussions with the council and with stakeholders on the proposals and priorities for the future, with a view to making decisions as soon as possible.

As regards mathematics specifically, the NCCA is currently advancing a review of mathematics in post-primary education at the request of my Department.

Since the NCCA's advice is already publicly available on the NCCA's website at www.ncca.ie. I do not intend publishing it separately.