Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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13. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the implementation of junior certificate reforms and her engagement with the trade unions. [15477/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I have accepted Dr. Paraic Travers's revised and clarified proposal of 23rd February as the basis for agreement on the implementation of Junior Cycle reform. It addresses previous principal concerns expressed by the union side while retaining many of the important benefits for learners. My acceptance of the proposal required further compromise and movement from me, which I considered to be in the best interests of students.

I have a mandate to act responsibly on behalf of our junior cycle students, their parents and our wider society. That is why I have signalled my intention to now proceed with implementation of Junior Cycle reform on the basis of the Travers proposals, and it is my intention to work with all interested partners in advancing that agenda.

I remain open to the two post-primary teacher unions coming on board and working with my Department and the other education partners in implementing the new programme. This requires an acceptance by them that the Travers proposal provides a basis for agreement and a willingness, therefore, to suspend their current industrial action.