Policies to deal with literacy problems and educational disadvantage will be the main priorities for the new Minister for Education, Dr Woods.
In an interview with The Irish Times, Dr Woods - who had a seven-hour briefing session with senior officials on Friday - described himself as "someone who has always had a very keen interest in educational issues". The Minister said he was delighted and honoured by his new appointment and hoped to continue the excellent work of his predecessor, Mr Martin.
Dr Woods declared that the Irish education system was, in general terms, in very good shape. The State's strong educational system had provided the platform for our economic growth, and our best people could compete with the best in the world.
For all that, he said, there was a need to probe deeper in any analysis of the system, acknowledge the problems that were there - and work to ensure that there was equality of opportunity for all.
On literacy, Dr Woods admitted to being disturbed by recent figures which indicated that one in 10 children leave school with significant literacy problems. These were unacceptable statistics which represented a challenge to the policy-makers and to the entire educational system.
He placed some emphasis on the need for much earlier intervention for children with literacy problems - something that has also been demanded by the INTO. We should know and be able to identify the problem after one or two years in primary school and take appropriate action, he said.
In relation to educational disadvantage, Dr Woods said that as a former minister for social welfare, he understood the need for a multi-faceted approach to this problem. Teachers could achieve much in the classroom but this alone would not resolve the difficulties without support from various State agencies.
It is expected that a more concerted push will now be made to combat educational disadvantage, with the "New Deal" document published by Mr Martin acting as a blueprint for a range of policies across the Departments of Education, Health, Social Welfare and Justice.
Dr Woods said that the research and the resources were now in place to deal with educational disadvantage. Framing the policies to deliver results would now take up a considerable amount of his time and energy.
Practical steps were needed. As social welfare minister, he had pioneered the second-chance education programme for the unemployed and those on social welfare, which had assisted some 10,000 every year since 1989. Other measures like this were needed.
The new Minister also highlighted the importance of adult education. With the publication of the Government's White Paper on the subject due shortly, he said he would like to see a range of measures which would allow women in the home - many in poor circumstances or on welfare - receive additional education.
On third level, Dr Woods also placed some emphasis on the need for universities to be still more responsive to the needs of industry.