The introduction of the leaving certificate applied has been deferred rather than cancelled.
My intention of revising the structure and content of the senior cycle from September 1995 in the following manner had been conveyed to school authorities through circular letters earlier this year:
(i) revised leaving certificate syllabuses, at higher, ordinary and foundation levels, for certain subjects;
(ii) the introduction of the leaving certificate applied for a selected number of schools;
(iii) the admission of additional schools to the pilot phase of the restructured leaving certificate vocational programme.
As a result of action taken by the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland and the Teachers Union of Ireland, it has not been possible to provide for the inservice education of teachers necessary for the successful introduction of the programmes. Accordingly, it was with regret that I decided to postpone the introduction of the above changes. I informed the Education Partners and the schools by circular on 31 May 1995 which was in advance of the commencement of the certificate examinations. Additionally, I made a statement in the Seanad to this effect on 31 May 1995.
The level of inservice envisaged was to hold a two day introductory inservice course for programme co-ordinators and two other teachers from each school approved to deliver the programme. This would be supplemented by a further programme of ongoing inservice to cater for the needs of the participants.
