Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 4

Written Answers. - Secondary School Cycle.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

29 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she intends to introduce a six year cycle in all secondary schools in the State; if she accepts the benefits of the six year cycle; if she will give favourable consideration to this matter in the context of the 1991 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

78 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education if she will outline her plans to equalise access to a six year cycle at second level where such a cycle is now available in three out of every four fee charging schools, but in only one in five of schools in the free education scheme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

296 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement on the request of a number of educational bodies for an option of a six year cycle for all students.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 78 and 296 together. A significant number of schools already provide a second level programme extending over six years through the operation of transition year programmes, vocational preparation and training courses and repeat leaving certificate classes.

Nearly 400 post-primary schools offer vocational preparation and training courses at post-intermediate and/or post-leaving certificate level. Over 200 schools either offer or have the option of offering transition year programmes. About 7,000 pupils repeat the leaving certificate each year and some 2,000 pupils repeat other standards in post-primary schools for a variety of reasons.

The question of the provision of the option of a six year cycle for all post-primary pupils is being considered by my Department at present in the context of its resource implications. A report and recommendations from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on the provision to be made for senior cycle pupils which I expect to receive shortly will be relevant to this consideration. It is a matter which is also being considered in the context of discussions with the social partners on a new programme for economic and social development.