Leaving Certificate 2021
Deputy O'Donnell asked for reassurance that a written Leaving Certificate would proceed in 2021. The Taoiseach said the Minister and officials wanted the normal written exams to go ahead, subject to Covid-19 impacts.
I have been contacted by many parents and students on what plans the Government and the Department of Education and Skills have in place to ensure the written leaving certificate will proceed in 2021. It is a significant issue that is causing huge anxiety among parents. There is a general historical credibility and acceptance around the written leaving certificate. It has served us well. Can the Taoiseach give reassurance in this regard? I appreciate the difficulty with Covid-19 but what plans can be put place, the Covid-19 environment notwithstanding, in order that the written leaving certificate can proceed next year?
Comment on this
I said previously in the House that I met the Minister for Education and Skills and the chief inspector and senior officials in the Department of Education and Skills. It is their absolute desire and commitment to have the normal leaving certificate next year, that is, the normal written exams as well as other aspects of it. Obviously, Covid-19 will have some impact on, perhaps, certain aspects around the oral examinations and so forth. They are, however, determined to have the leaving certificate and are already working in that regard.