School league tables could become a reality in Ireland under proposals contained in Fine Gael's election manifesto.
The party says it would "require schools to publish annual reports, taking into account test results".
The publication of such results could enable the publication of league tables that would rank schools according to the results students achieve.
Education legislation currently allows the minister for education to prevent the publication of any school data that could lead to the compilation of such rankings. However this power is discretionary.
Teacher trade unions are strongly opposed to league tables. They say they exacerbate inequalities between schools, and reward schools that cherry pick students.
On the issue of third level fees, Fine Gael has said it would not rule in or out an increase in student fees accompanied by a loan or deferred payment system.
A Government-commissioned report on future third level funding is due to be published shortly. It is expected to outline a number of options including increased fees with a loan system.
Earlier this week the Labour party said it would await the outcome of the report and said the issue required "a national discussion to find a solution".
Fianna Fáil says it would not support any increase in student fees. The current student fee is €3,000.
Sinn Féin says it would abolish student fees incrementally.
The Social Democrats, the Green party, People Before Profit and the Anti-Austerity Alliance all say education should be paid for through general taxation.
Renua Ireland states in its manifesto that it supports a fees and loan system.
The UK allows league tables, but Irish ministers for education have traditionally resisted their introduction here.
However, this could change if the next Minister for Education is a Fine Gael TD.
It is 30 years since the department last had a Fine Gael minister.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education Charlie McConalogue has warned that Fine Gael's right-wing education policies will have an extremely damaging impact on our schools.
The Donegal candidate explained: "While Fine Gael has been content to outsource education policy to Labour for the last five years, the party's own manifesto reveals its true colours with a series of right-wing education proposals straight out of the Tory policy manual.
"Fine Gael have proposed punishing performance targets, which will remove teacher autonomy and further penalise schools in less advantaged areas.
