Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason there have been delays with regard to the development or investigative stage of e-portfolios being used for the junior certificate cycle; when he will be in a position to move forward with the concept of e-portfolios; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20820/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I am happy to report to the Deputy that there has been no delay. The work on portfolios and e-portfolios is being progressed in the overall context of Junior Cycle Reform.

I have asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to investigate the area of e-Portfolio assessment and the potential role that e-Portfolios might play in a reformed junior cycle. To inform this process, I understand that a background paper is in the final stages of preparation. The paper is to consider the literature on e-Portfolios, how they are defined, what they typically include, and the beneficial role that they can play in learning and assessment. It is to look at the experience of a number of countries where work on e-Portfolios has taken place and highlights the adoption and implementation issues, including technological and administrative issues, that have arisen in these cases. The paper will be completed in May and will be made available online.

The question of portfolios will be taken forward at a pace commensurate with the capacity for change within the system and like other elements of Junior Cycle reform will be implemented on a phased basis.