I am pleased that both the ASTI and the Government teams were able to reach agreement on a way forward. The process now agreed can contribute greatly to improved industrial relations between the parties. Great credit is due to the facilitator, Mr. Tom Pomphrett of the Labour Relations Commission, for his expertise and professionalism and I again express my public thanks to him in this respect. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to make further comment on the broader issues while the Labour Court process is continuing.
I assure the Deputy and all students and their parents that the 2001 certificate examinations will proceed without diminution in either their integrity or validity. As I have indicated, the results of the examinations may issue later than usual if delays are experienced during the marking process. Some delay may be unavoidable in the case of the junior certificate. The priority will be to ensure that standards are maintained. It is essential that the high reputation enjoyed by our public examinations continues and that public confidence in the examination system is preserved.
In regard to contingency arrangements, I consider it incumbent on me as Minister to safeguard the examinations and, to that end, I have asked my Department to develop contingency plans for conducting and marking the examinations having regard to the necessity of maintaining a quality approach to the marking process.
Resolution of the dispute remains the top priority. Preparation of alternative arrangements is simply prudent in the interests of the students. It is my sincere hope that there can be a resolution of the dispute through the work of the Labour Court and that, consequently, there will be no need to activate the contingency plans.
The position in regard to time lost because of the dispute is that I am prepared to explore with the school representative bodies how the time available for tuition can be maximised for all examination candidates over the balance of the school year. I would in particular encourage students to remain at school for tuition to the very end of the final term and thereby to get the benefit of all available class time rather than engage in the usual practice of absenting themselves from school during the final days of the term.