Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the November exams facility, I do not accept that anyone in the system was collateral damage at any stage. In the midst of a pandemic, to have a facility for in excess of 60,000 students to receive grades - calculated grades in this instance - and provide them a pathway to move forward in whatever direction they chose was significant. I acknowledge the co-operation of all involved who made that a reality. However, it is important that there be a facility to afford people the opportunity to take written exams in November. It was available for them if they chose to take it up. They were also free to choose not to take it up. Approximately 2,500 are availing of the facility. Whichever of the calculated and written exam grades is the best they receive is the one they will be awarded. Having both options available was important to students.