Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education Thomas Byrne has welcomed the decision to delay the leaving certificate until later in the summer.
Plans to delay the Leaving Certificate exams until late July or August and to replace the Junior Certificate with school-based assessments to take place early in the school year were announced earlier today.
Deputy Byrne said: “It is welcome that the Minister for Education has finally provided some clarity to students on the Leaving Certificate. The prospect of exams taking place during a period of school closures was unfair for students and would be extremely difficult to deliver with the integrity that had previously been in place.
“The solution is largely in line with the proposals Fianna Fáil had previously provided. While some students have advocated for alternatives such as predictive grades, the Leaving Certificate remains the best option. Although they are not perfect, the State exams offer a fair, transparent system by which students are judged on their performance. This would not be possible through the alternatives.
“This situation is unique and unprecedented. I sincerely hope that the minister has fully engaged with all relevant stakeholders. None of the events of the last few months have been conducive to study. A concerted effort will be required to give students the supports they need in the months ahead,“ concluded Deputy Byrne.
