Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

A calculated grades system was introduced in 2020, and while there were many teething problems, it showed us that there may be other ways to assess our students rather than cramming six years of learning into two weeks of final exams. Perhaps it is time to reform the leaving certificate, which might mean students being assessed on a staggered basis using a broader range of assessment methods such as projects, team work and portfolios instead of facing a single set of summer exams. The State's advisory body on the curriculum has been reviewing the senior cycle during the past year. On foot of that, are we likely to see any changes to the leaving certificate structure?

I have a large number of questions for the Minister who may not have time to answer them now. They come from parents and teachers in Cork South-West. I will put them to the Minister and perhaps she can reply to me later. Will she outline the steps being taken to review the ranking of front-line teachers on the Government's vaccine plan and when any outcome arising from the process will be published? Will the Minister confirm that flexible measures for high-risk and pregnant staff will continue until the Easter break? Will she confirm the date on which the expert review group examining the issue of rapid antigen testing in schools is likely to report?

6 o’clock

Will the Minister confirm the date on which the expert review group examining ventilation issues in schools is likely to report and the date on which the expert review group on the mandatory use of face masks in primary education is likely report? Will she set out details of what grants will be provided to primary schools for cleaning and sanitisation from Easter to the summer this year? Will she confirm that a refund will be issued for school bus tickets issued last year? Will she confirm that plans are in place for school transport provision in the coming year? I would also like some information regarding SOLAS motor mechanic apprentices. They completed phase two of their apprenticeships in December, but they are still awaiting their official results and cannot progress to the next phase.

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