The Minister for Education's decision to seek a High Court ban on the publication of school league tables has met with a mixed reception.
The decision was regretted by Fine Gael and the National Parents' Council (Primary) but was welcomed by teachers' unions, school management representatives and the National Parents' Council (Post Primary).
Mr Richard Bruton, Fine Gael's spokesman on education, said: "Concealing information about our education system is a step backwards". He said a lack of vital information would obstruct an urgently needed debate on the pitfalls and achievements in the educational system.
Ms Fionnuala Kilfeather, national co-ordinator of the National Parents' Council (Primary), said it was disappointed at the Minister's decision. "We've been too secretive for too long in this country about too many things . . . Parents are not stupid enough to think that high points are the be all and end all," she said.
The president of the ASTI, Ms Bernadine O'Sullivan, said: "Releasing examination subjects will not really improve the quality of education in schools".
Mr Joe Carolan, president of the Teachers' Union of Ireland, welcomed Mr Martin's decision, saying exam league tables "would facilitate spurious and unfair comparisons" between schools.
The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals also welcomed the Minister's decision to appeal.