Privilege and exam results
The Cathaoirleach reminded Members about parliamentary privilege and separation of powers as Buttimer continued on the presidential issue. Buttimer denied any slur, returned to calling for a debate on persecution of Christians, and raised the lack of a release date for 2022 state exam results.
We should just bear in mind that Members of the House have a privilege that nobody else has. Their criticism of other people is something that is not enforceable by the courts.
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I know that. I am just saying that is why we have the separation of powers.
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But I do think we should have a debate on the bigger picture and about the persecution of Christians. We should condemn the killings of all people of faith, regardless of their denomination, across the world.
I rise predominantly to ask the Deputy Leader about an issue that I raised two weeks ago. The leaving certificate, leaving certificate applied and junior certificate classes of 2022 are now in the middle of their exam period but they have not yet got a date for their exam results to be released. That is unacceptable. I accept that there is a piece of work to be done in the month of July for those students who because of Covid cannot sit an exam now. I ask the Deputy Leader if she is aware of the number of students who have not been able to sit the exam or who had to stop doing their exams because of Covid. I am not sure if the figures are available. From talking to students and parents I know that clarity is required on the issuing of the exam results to the students and for the third level institutes they may attend. I believe the provost of Trinity College was on the radio yesterday and asked for clarity to be given. I ask that the Minister for Education would come to the House next week to have a debate on leaving certificate reform and on the issuing of results for leaving certificate 2022.