Dáil debates

Wednesday, 24 June 2020

Reopening of Schools and Summer Provision 2020: Statements

 

3:15 pm

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be sharing my time with Deputies Higgins, Feighan and O'Donnell. The closing of schools has greatly impacted fifth year classes. There is real concern now that there will not be enough time to finish the two-year curriculum by the time examinations are due to begin in summer 2021. Many students and their parents have contacted me to express the legitimate concerns surrounding falling behind on course work, on top of the many challenges students face while learning from home such as limited access to online material due to poor broadband connectivity. A recent survey conducted by SpunOut.ie also found that fifth year students face considerable uncertainty. Those fifth year students understand why the sixth year group were prioritised in the initial response to this crisis. However, now that the Department has found a solution for the leaving certificate students of 2020, will the Minister review the concerns expressed to ensure that next year's leaving certificate students are not adversely affected by school closures resulting from Covid-19?

In addition, I am conscious that the coming months will also create uncertainty for student teachers in terms of their placements. I note the Teaching Council issued a statement last week regarding students who are expected to qualify in 2020 and had yet to complete their final school placement. It is welcome that they will not be adversely affected when it comes to applying for registration with the Teaching Council. Prospective student teachers will require detailed guidance for future school placements in the long term as a result of Covid-19. I note last week's press release highlighted that guidance is now being developed. However, it is important that prospective student teachers would have clarity as soon as possible on what they can expect for the 2020-21 academic year.

Lastly, similar to the Minister's native county of Donegal, Mayo has three populated islands, namely, Clare Island, Inisturk and Inisbiggle. In particular, Inisturk and Clare Island typically send their post-primary students to Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, on the mainland. I ask that specific clarity be provided for families based in our island communities as their children often reside on the mainland from Mondays to Fridays and that such arrangements can continue.

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