Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to say to Caoimhe and Rachel, through the Deputy, that fifth years are not being ignored. It is the subject of focus within the Department because many fifth years have lost out on curriculum time. No fifth year student had completed the curriculum for any subject in year one of what is a two-year programme. We are very conscious of that. I agree with the Deputy that it has been a massive disruption for them and the entire school cohort.

On the issue of a review of the leaving certificate, as the Deputy will be aware, such a review is ongoing. What I would suggest to the likes of Caoimhe, Rachel and the Deputy is to join the many others who have made their commentary heard through the ongoing review of the leaving certificate. There is a process there and I encourage all those interested to use it.

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