The USS has welcomed education minister Mary Hanafin's plans for a twostage Leaving Cert but say her plans for reform must go further.

"The exams are the most stressful time of the year.

There needs to be counselling services for students when they come out of exams. If they don't do well, there needs to be someone available to talk to about it. It is the most important time in students' school life and there is no support system in place, " according to S�obhra Aiken, president of the USS.

Hanafin has proposed that students would sit paper one in both English and Irish several weeks before the rest of the exams begin. This is expected to be of great benefit to students who find it difficult to concentrate solidly for such a long period of time.

While this is a welcome development for all students, Aiken questioned Hanafin's timing of the announcement, which was made on the first day of the Leaving Cert.

"She made the announcement on the day that students were going in to their first exam. Some students felt that she could have made this announcement in January so that it affected them. It was bad timing."

The USS also called for a complete reform of the examination system as "students are examined on how much they can remember, not on how much they actually know." The union said they are available for talks with Hanafin should she wish to consult with them on any new proposals.

Barbara Mutamba of the USS added: "I agree with minister Mary Hanafin's proposal to spread out the Leaving Cert exams. This will be a very significant and muchneeded amendment that will benefit the students greatly.

"I was an examination superintendent on the day of the English exam and I think that six hours 20 minutes is too long to expect students to work for. They will inevitably be mentally and physically exhausted and therefore will be unable to work to their full potential."