Michael Finucane
Ceist:42 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to introduce a six year post-primary cycle; if he will outline the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Post Primary Cycle.
Monica Barnes
Ceist:52 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to introduce a six year post primary cycle, if he will outline the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
John Connor
Ceist:66 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to introduce a six year post primary cycle; if he will outline the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Pat Lee
Ceist:71 Dr. Lee asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to introduce a six year post primary cycle; if he will outline the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 52, 66 and 71 together.
As outlined in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress all pupils who commenced their post-primary education in the school year 1991-92 will have the option of a six-year post-primary school cycle. These pupils will commence their senior cycle programme in the school year 1994-95 and will be given the option of completing senior cycle in two or three years.
In the context of an optional three-year senior cycle, various course options will be available to pupils. These options will be addressed in the forthcoming Green Paper on Education.