Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify and confirm that, in the context of any future proposed reforms of the junior certificate cycle or programme, teachers devising their own courses and who are subject to continuous assessment and self-evaluation will be evaluated within a standardised timeframe that is based on fairness and which will not over burden teachers with unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. [19143/11]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received the report of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on reform of the junior certificate; and when he will publish the recommendations of the NCCA. [19183/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is currently finalising its advice to me on the direction of junior cycle reform, in consultation with the partners in education.

I have been kept informed of the Council's general progress, and I am aware that an advanced draft of proposals was discussed at a meeting of Council in June. However, I am also aware that many issues in relation to changes to the junior cycle programme and assessment are still under consideration. I expect that I will receive advice from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on changes to the junior cycle programme in the Autumn and I will not be in a position to comment on the detail of the Council's proposals until then.