Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 3

Written Answers. - Junior Certificate Examination.

Ulick Burke

Ceist:

414 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to pursue his stated wish for school based assessment for junior certification exams in the near future and a change from centrally devised and marked terminal exams; the consultations, if any, which have taken place with the partners in education on the matter to date; the participation of NCCA in the issue; his views on whether this process would reduce teachers contact hours with their pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22724/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Since the publication of the paper discussions have been held with interested parties. In addition a series of consultative meetings will be held in the near future in relation to the issues raised in the paper.

My purpose in publishing the paper is to provoke a thorough and wide-ranging debate on these complex issues. The consultative process provides an opportunity for all concerned to contribute to future policy formulation in relation to the modes of assessment at junior certificate. I hope that there will be the fullest participation and engagement with the consultative process and ultimately my decisions on the issues will, of course, be informed by contributions made in the process.