Ms Andrea Feeney:

On the junior cycle results and the adult learners and early school leavers who might need these results for onward employment or apprenticeships, which was the first part of Deputy Ó Laoghaire's question, he will recall in 2020 and 2021 the junior cycle examinations did not run as normal. Later examinations were held for adult learners and early school leavers. They were held in November with the results issuing in February. Arrangements were made through SOLAS in order that those students could progress in the absence of their results. We have been in contact with SOLAS to see if a similar arrangement can be put in place for this year. That is a work in progress at the moment. In regard to further engagement with both teacher unions, yes the examinations over the past number of years build on a strong relationship that the SEC had with stakeholders including the teacher unions and the school management representative bodies. We have engaged through the advisory group on examinations planning and in bilateral meetings with the stakeholders just before Covid-19 and during Covid-19 and on these particular issues over the past year. We have had much support from the teacher unions in terms of encouraging and supporting the campaigns that the SEC has put in place such as advertising in the teacher union magazines and directly reaching out to branch representatives on behalf of the State examinations system to try and increase the numbers getting involved. In regard to the other measures that need to be put in place, the rates are quite significantly enhanced this year. That has had an impact. There are other factors in play. It has recently been announced that there will be a comprehensive review of the factors underpinning issues with supply of teachers to undertake these critical roles with the State examinations. We need to look at all of the factors in collaboration not only with the stakeholders but also in direct engagement with teachers to ask them what are the disincentives, what might assist them in making the decision to undertake this vital work with the SEC.