Circular Letter 0042/2007 (Department of Education and Science) sets out changes to the examination of Irish in the Junior Certificate from June 2010. 

Oral tests:

A long standing TUI directive instructs members not to engage in conducting Irish tests until the union has reached agreement with the Department of Education and Science in respect of:

• Arrangements for the conducting of tests
• Payment for the work involved
• External monitoring of assessment 

It is imperative that members abide by the union directive not to conduct orals tests in order until arrangements acceptable to teachers and adequate resources are agreed. 

Written Papers
Changes to the examination of Irish from 2010 did not require significant syllabus change in the junior certificate programme.  Schools have now been notified of changes to the written paper to reflect the changed emphasis on, and weightings aligned to, written, aural and oral skills.  A number of members have been in contact with head office indicating that there are significant changes to the sample examination papers.  In particular some feel that some of the questions run counter to best practise in addressing the aims and objectives of the syllabus. Consequently they believe teachers should have been made fully aware of the extent of the changes at much earlier stage in the three year junior cycle, in order to adjust their classroom practice in the best interest of students. 

We will raise the issue with the State Examinations Commission and the Department of Education and Science. We advise that if you have concerns in relation to the sample papers that you provide immediate feedback to the State Examinations Commission (Chief Examiner for Irish) and to this office ( bjudge@tui.ie subject junior cert exam oral exams).

General comment
We note that shortly after Circular 0042/2007 issued to schools the TUI objected to the unilateral nature of the decision taken by the then Minister for Education and Science. It sought formal engagement with the Department on a wide number of issues relating to the new arrangements.  In May 2009  representation was made to the current Minister  (Minister Batt O’ Keaffe) advising that plans to implement the new arrangements should be delayed due to late progress on agreeing how implementation could proceed and the general lack of resources available.  Notwithstanding plans to implement continued.