Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will consult with second level senior cycle students to ascertain their views in the context of the proposals by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on the reform of the leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39664/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The NCCA's proposals for the future development of senior cycle education in Ireland were drawn up following a widespread consultative process, in which students' opinions were heard in number of ways. The initial online survey offered the public at large an opportunity to respond to the issues raised in the discussion paper on senior cycle education which was circulated by the NCCA in advance. This survey was targeted at students and the majority of the 1,813 responses received were from students.

At a representative level, the NCCA sponsored and held seminars involving the Union of Secondary Students in Ireland and other student representative groups. The NCCA also hosted a presentation by representatives of Dáil na nÓg on the senior cycle proposals. In addition, the NCCA has conducted school-based research to inform its advice around senior cycle developments. This has involved NCCA staff working with groups of students, parents, teachers and school management in a representative sample of ten post-primary schools.