The Department of Education is refusing to co-operate with two major international surveys of literacy, numeracy and science levels among Irish 10-year-olds - despite concerns about standards in some schools.
The department has signalled it will not take part in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) - even though this could provide the first opportunity since 1992 to assess how Irish primary standards compare internationally.
The department has also signalled its unease about taking part in the Trends in International Maths and Science Survey (TIMSS).
This survey is seen by some as an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the revised course in maths and the new courses in science at primary level. The department last co-operated with this survey in 1995.
Last night, the department defended its decision. It said it co-operated with the more broadly based OECD studies at post-primary level and that, in some cases, national studies were more meaningful than international comparisons.
It also said it wanted to avoid the classroom disruption these surveys can cause. The department said several other OECD states were not co-operating with the studies.
Both surveys in question are run by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).
Based in the Netherlands, the organisation has members in 28 European countries, as well as in the US, Canada and across the world.
Research in Ireland is conducted on its behalf by the well-regarded Education Research Centre at St Patrick's College in Drumcondra, Dublin, which conducts most major research projects for the department.
Reacting to the news that Ireland was not to take part, Irish National Teachers Organisation general secretary John Carr said that previous tests at primary level have provided good advice to educational policymakers and professionals.
He said many of the findings of the 1992 study were used to guide aspects of the Revised Curriculum in Primary Schools introduced in 2001.
"Perhaps it would have been opportune to assess the impact of the curriculum in schools and compare performance with other countries . . . For a relatively small investment, a reasonably good picture of the system was obtained."
The department statement said: "Regarding literacy and numeracy for primary-level students, there is a programme of national monitoring of reading and mathematics which provides a detailed analysis of pupil performance at five-yearly intervals and of changing trends over time."
The Republic tends to perform well in international literacy reports but the performance in maths and science is less impressive.
The department said: "Decisions regarding participation in international studies must be informed by the extent to which the outcomes can complement the other information that is available in the system. Also, the extent to which a study focuses on areas of particular concern is an important consideration."
