Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that any reform of the junior certificate cycle be accompanied by meaningful consultation with teachers' unions, teachers' representatives and education bodies, that a change in the curriculum will endeavour to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio; if he will further ensure that external monitoring of continuous assessment is implemented with adequate funding to deliver the programme; and that adequate in-service training for teachers and additional payment for any extra work carried out by teachers. [19248/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Under Section 30 of the Education Act 1998, the curriculum in schools is subject to my approval, following any consultation considered appropriate with the partners in education and the advice of National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

The NCCA Council is a representative structure, the membership of which is determined and appointed by the Minister for Education and Skills. The 25 members come from organisations representing teachers, school managers, parents, employers, trade unions, early childhood education, Irish language interests and third-level education. Other members include representatives of the Department of Education and Skills, the State Examinations Commission and a nominee of the Minister. The membership of the NCCA Junior Cycle Committee includes representatives from unions, management bodies, the Post Primary Parents' Council and the State Examinations Commission.

The NCCA has been asked to review the junior certificate and advise on the scope for reform designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy, embed key skills, promote active learning and enhanced creativity and innovation, and ensure appropriate ways of generating evidence of learning. Concerns have also been raised about curriculum overload, and rote learning.

The Council has completed a public consultation process and is finalising its advice to me on the direction of reform, in consultation with the partners in education. I expect the Council's advice in the Autumn and I will not be in a position to comment on the detail of the Council's proposals until then.