Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will have a definitive date next week. That is positive news. The students want to see the fruits of their labour. They want to celebrate their results. I have had a lot of contact from students who have gone straight into fifth year and who need to decide whether to sit certain subjects at higher or ordinary level. That will be determined by how they got on in the junior certificate.

With regard to how the Minister is looking at overhauling senior cycle, it would also be really worthwhile to look at junior certificate redevelopment. The one thing that has always led to a higher benchmark being reached in the languages is the oral examinations, particularly at leaving certificate. It brings up the results in Irish and French. Would the Minister consider bringing in such an examination at junior certificate level? It would lift the standard a little bit.