Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason the extensive reforms in the leaving certificate examinations due to come into effect in 2009 have been put on hold without a date communicated to the working group involved in the oral examinations; the cost of the changes proposed; the extent of the deterioration in the national finances which has caused this change of policy to be abruptly introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19718/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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It is assumed that this question relates to the timing of the oral examinations within the existing language subjects rather than the senior cycle curricular reforms. Discussions within a working group comprised of the partners in education have been held to explore other models of delivery of the oral examinations, in the context of concerns about maintaining the integrity of the school year and of the examinations process. Following analysis of a number of possibilities significant progress was made towards identifying a viable alternative model, with some work remaining. The model involved would require significant additional expenditure, and it is not certain that it would find sufficient acceptance to result in an improved supply of examiners vis a vis the current model. At this stage, my Department is not in a position to approve proposals for new measures for 2009 unless they can be exchequer neutral, and such an approach is not possible in this case. Accordingly it is not possible at present to finalise the proposals for presentation to the partners.

This is not an abrupt change in policy, nor was any agreement reached on the matter. The issue will be kept under continuing review so that the discussions on a viable alternative model can be progressed at the earliest opportunity. I can inform the Deputy that a revised schedule for the 2008 June Leaving Certificate examinations has been agreed with the Partners in Education which is designed to be more student friendly, and reduce the demand on students especially during the first week of the examinations. By moving forward some of the subjects that are taken by fewer students, the revised schedule will result in most students getting at least one half day, and possibly two, in the first week of the schedule.

In addition, a programme of curriculum reform is continuing, for which the NCCA is undertaking extensive development work with schools. New syllabi in Leaving Certificate Technology and Design and Graphic Communications have been introduced in September 2007 for first examination in 2009, significant reforms are under way in Maths and Irish, and proposals are expected from the Council shortly in regard to senior cycle Science.