Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1275. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of funds allocated for reform of State exams; if she will provide a breakdown of the way these funds will be managed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33516/14]
View answerAs the reformed Junior Cycle is implemented over the coming years, the role of the State Examinations Commission will change and its involvement will be less extensive than it has been to date in the Junior Certificate. It is, nevertheless, expected that some transitional costs may arise. To date there have been no additional costs to the SEC. Costs arising in 2015 and subsequent years are part of the estimates process and will not be finalised until after the budget in the relevant year.
At Senior Cycle, the SEC will be involved in the trialling of possible new practical procedures in the Leaving Certificate sciences and this is currently being costed. Most of the actual trial work will commence in 2015.
Funding has been ring-fenced for the implementation of the reformed Junior Cycle. The combined costs of curriculum and CPD support in a full year will be of the order of €10 million.
The NCCA has prioritised the Junior Cycle in its workplan and is currently working on a number of subjects that will be phased in over the next number of years. A Junior Cycle for Teachers' Support Service has been established under the directorship of Dr. Pádraig Kirk and will, in this academic year, be working with school leaders and with English and Science teachers in particular.
The NCCA is also prioritising work at senior cycle with its development of new specifications, for example, in the sciences, in physical education and in economics.
