Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the junior cycle, it should be noted that we had two sittings of the leaving certificate this year. That was important and the right thing to do. We also had to provide students with an opportunity to appeal results where they wished to do so, as we do every year. As a result of a landmark legal ruling some years ago, the traditional format whereby junior cycle results were released prior to appeals decisions had to be changed, which it was in 2019. In 2019, the results came out sometime in October. This year, in light of the two sittings and the challenges associated with attracting sufficient numbers of correctors, the State Examinations Commission advised that it would not be in a position to give a more definitive time frame with regard to junior cycle results until the appeals were out of the way and had been catered for. The results of those appeals issued last Friday. The State Examinations Commission has advised that, following its consideration and analysis of what it has available to it this week, a formal announcement will be made next week. I acknowledge the frustration of students. I know they are eager to get their results. Unprecedented opportunities were provided this year. The State Examinations Commission is working hard on this and will make a definitive date available next week.