Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. In the first instance, I will refer specifically to points that were raised by Deputy Boyd Barrett. I assure the Deputy, and I have articulated this previously, that every measure we have introduced into our schools is backed by public health advice and that we react immediately, taking account of the public health advice, in respect of any measures that schools ask us to change or to be flexible on. I ask the Deputy to be under no illusions in this regard.

On the specific points raised by Deputy Barry, I have no knowledge whatsoever of the sources of the story that he referred to in a Sunday newspaper. I can categorically state that there was no engagement with me or my Department on any such stories. There is no veracity to this.

I know of the challenges, difficulties and anxieties to which the Deputy refers and which leaving certificate students are facing. I know these very well. I have spent all of my professional life teaching students of all different levels, especially those in senior cycle. I know that the most difficult year for every student is that when he or she sits the leaving certificate. This is intensely even more the case now in the midst of the pandemic. We are listening very closely to all student voices. Students are well represented at all of our stakeholder engagements.

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