The student council from Scoil an Linbh Íosa in Prosperous is in the Public Gallery today. Those students have written this question directly. I am merely reading it out for them. It is their words. They ask:

We do enough work in school. Our teachers agree. Children, families and teachers are so busy in the evenings. We want to promote well-being and nurture our hobbies and skills as children. There is no expectation that adults bring their work home, so why must children? Will this Government consider putting an end to homework for primary school children?

When I was Lord Mayor of Cork, one of the great privileges I had was to give a half day and give the homework off. Unfortunately, the Department of education came down on that practice after I left my job as Lord Mayor of Cork. As the Minister for education, I repeated the act.

To be more serious, education and learning have evolved a lot. We know that children learn more through play in many instances than just through formal academic rigor. We do not want to dictate to schools across the length and breadth of the country but we think schools, particularly at primary level, should factor that into curriculum development. The teacher in me says that doing the odd bit of homework reinforces the message and makes sure that students have picked up and absorbed what was taught in the class.

Time is up, Taoiseach.

The students asked that question to me as Taoiseach rather than as a teacher, however.

It is a very good question.

We have evolved a lot.

For this evening, both the Taoiseach and I combined-----

The homework is off.

There is no homework this evening for the students.

Is that for me too?

It is not for you.