PDs express reservations about planned literacy tests

The Progressive Democrats have expressed reservations about Education Minister Noel Dempsey’s plans to make all primary school students undergo literacy and numeracy tests.

Mr Dempsey said today that he wanted all primary school pupils to sit such tests at various stages of their education.

PD Senator John Minihan said that, while he accepted the need for greater information in relation to literacy and numeracy levels in Ireland, he felt standardised testing was not the correct path to take.

“There are already legitimate concerns about the pressures society puts on out second-level students and the huge emphasis placed on academic achievement,” he said.

“Now we are in danger of putting pressure on our seven-year-olds.”