Fine Gael members call on Quinn to reverse Junior Cert reforms

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn is facing further pressure on his plans to replace the Junior Certificate with a school-marked system after Fine Gael members voted to seek changes.

Although Government TDs and senators opposed it, a motion was passed at the Fine Gael ard fheis calling on Mr Quinn to reverse his decision to phase out the externally- assessed exams. He is facing a ballot this month by 27,000 teacher union members for withdrawal of co-operation with his Junior Cycle Student Award (JCSA) plans.

The main opposition relates to the proposed move from students being marked by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to teachers assessing their own students.