Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in view of his endorsement of the proposals contained in Towards A Framework for Junior Cycle and his statement that he has asked officials in his Department to begin discussions on their implementation with the partners in education, when these discussions will begin and if they will include engagement with schools and classroom teachers who will be required to implement the new junior cycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34854/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment proposals were developed following a major consultation process with stakeholders. The Council also has a network of schools with which it engages on a continuing basis to get the views of practising teachers. We must now begin to plan for implementation. In line with normal practice, my Department will enter into discussions with national representative bodies -- school management, principals, teacher unions and parents -- together with the NCCA and the State Examinations Commission on how best the changes proposed can be implemented. These national representative bodies have extensive structures in place through which the views of their members are channelled, and have played a well informed role in supporting change throughout the education system. The arrangements to begin the discussions will be made in the coming days.