Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding visits to the Gaeltacht and so on, the oral examinations will still take place in sixth year, most likely over the Easter period, as has been the case in recent years. Obviously, they will be supported by any additional trips students might wish to take to the Gaeltacht or by the work they do in school.

I fully accept the Deputy's bona fides and the points she is raising but students have been clear that having to face everything on one day is an extraordinary burden and pressure. Having the opportunity to do it over two years will lessen that burden. As I said, we have seen this as best practice in other jurisdictions, where it works well, and in the leaving certificate applied. It is intended to ensure that students will not feel the high stakes of everything depending on one moment in June. Those stakes are far too high for them.

As the Deputy will appreciate from conversation in general society, there is a consistent understanding that far too much pressure is placed on our senior cycle students in June. It is a very hyped-up exam and there is so much discussion and conversation about it. Students deserve a more structured and even approach over two years. It will give them a better opportunity and more accommodation to showcase their talents. The motivation is students' well-being and a student-centred approach.