Mr. Dalton Tattan:

I agree with the Deputy. We are seeking to do that. We have learned the importance of trying to make these decisions as early as we can. That is something we need to consider. Easter is quite late in 2022, so in the normal run of things the oral examinations would most likely take place in the couple of weeks before Easter. If they were to be held at Easter, that would provide a bit more time for students. We need to be clear that, as highlighted to us by students in the course of the engagement on the 2021 leaving certificate, students want to have time to take a break, which they will need to ensure they are somewhat rested going into the final written examinations, or time to study and revise. It is about trying to get that balance right. It might make sense to try to hold the oral examinations at Easter, particularly in light of the teacher supply issue. That might be less disruptive for students. However, there would be a need to keep that timeframe reasonably tight. Some students may have a couple of oral examinations and a music practical examination. There is a need to ensure those exams do not all happen at around the same time and create a different sort of pressure point.