Reform CAO points systems now

I WELCOME the proposed review of the CAO points system in Ireland, but it needs action now. Politicians from every generation have been criticised for being all talk, and no action.

If Ruairi Quinn wants the respect of the Irish people, he needs to act on his word and get these things done.

The points system in this country has been under scrutiny for years and yet the same process is peddled through generation after generation.

The current points structure adds immense pressure onto students and this is not healthy for anyone, especially young people who are not ready to deal with such strain. The competition between students in schools has reached a damaging level and certain, less academic students are made to feel inferior to their peers and classmates.

As well as this, the current set-up is not an accurate assessment of students intelligence or their readiness for third level education. This point is backed up by the huge drop-out figures in many colleges and universities around the country. The points system honours a students’ capability to learn off, and re-produce information, rather than actually enriching or enhancing their intelligence in a meaningful way. Mr Quinn needs to get an active review in place quickly and make the appropriate changes. This process should not take the six-year time frame that is being talked about.

Plans need to be made by all departments that match the life-span of the current government. This reminds me of the health reform discussed during the election that planned to revamp our health system within 10 years. This type of scheme is pointless if the government is overhauled in the next election and the plans are abandoned.

Justin Kelly

Edenerry

Co Offaly