Ms Andrea Feeney:

The junior cycle results are a consolidated set of results. They are not just the results of the examinations but are tied in with the classroom-based assessments. Under the reform measures introduced a number of years ago, the junior cycle is a consolidated assessment process. It does not just depend on those terminal examinations but also on classroom-based assessment. It would not be fair on the students or the system to have a phased release of examination results.

With regard to the money and what is lost in tax, we unfortunately do not have any control over that. There is an issue with regard to the holidays. We have seen the impact of teachers wanting to go on holidays this year. We would like to find a balance in respect of the amount of time required of individuals in correcting to ensure an equilibrium between the time, money and effort required to fulfil roles with the State Examinations Commissions and people feeling they still have time for a holiday at the end of the process.