Dáil debates

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Covid-19 (Education and Skills): Statements

 

10:40 pm

Photo of Violet-Anne WynneViolet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Families across Clare have relayed a collective sigh of relief that a formal decision was recently made on the leaving certificate examinations 2020. This decision was welcomed but many people in Clare feel that the delay in formulating the decision caused unnecessary stress and anxiety for parents and students. My colleague, Deputy Ó Laoghaire, has suggested a need for a one-stop shop helpline to be set up to avoid the issue of lobbying when parents and students are merely seeking some clarity. I reiterate that suggestion.

In his announcement, the Minister for Education and Skills stated that students will be offered calculated grades generated using "a systematic statistical model." There are areas, however, that need further consideration. I have received many concerns from students in Clare about how this system of calculated grades will affect them individually. One case that was highlighted to me was from a constituent who is a repeat leaving certificate student who had started in a new school with the hope of achieving higher grades to access the desired third level college or university. The current system outlined by the Minister will prove problematic in this instance. It will lead to disadvantages with regard to the teachers' estimated percentage grade where a student with no teacher-student relationship may be at a disadvantage. This student and other repeat leaving certificate students do not want their past grades to be used as it will defeat the purpose of having repeated the year and it may negatively affect them. These students feel hopeless about the leaving certificate 2020 and ultimately about their future. Will the Minister provide clarification for students who are in this particular situation?

I have also received queries from students in Clare who are applicants for scholarships such as the Naughton scholarship. If awarded, this significant scholarship is worth up to €20,000. Students in Clare who have worked towards this scholarship are hugely concerned. For most, receiving such a scholarship is their only means to access education and they have expressed confusion. In normal circumstances the repeat exams are done in time to be considered. The dates have not yet been disclosed for when the option to sit a leaving certificate examination will take place. Will the Minister clarify when the exams will take place or indicate when the date will be disclosed?

Parents in Clare are desperate to know where they stand on the July provision. I welcome the Minister's statement but I believe that more information is needed. Some people have managed to source tutors and teachers and have looked at the Government's road map for reopening society whereby 29 June will see an easing of restrictions to phase 3. This will involve the reopening of crèches, childminders and preschools for children of essential workers. With that knowledge they feel that the July provision should be given the go-ahead. The children who will avail of the July provision have been struggling immensely and will need this service, especially because of the Covid-19 lockdown. Will the Minister provide clarification on the July provision or will he indicate when the full clarification can be given?

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