Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While I support the Bill, I am concerned about a couple of issues. For example, if a parent, guardian or grandparent approaches a teacher or member of a school's personnel to try to influence grades but does so without the knowledge or consent of the pupil, the pupil should not be held responsible or accountable. A fine should be imposed on the person making the approach instead of the student being denied a result. I will point out to Deputy Ó Ríordáin that Labour voted in favour of the Sinn Féin amendment on this issue in Seanad Éireann and that we in Sinn Féin are not condoning canvassing in any shape or form. We just believe that it would be unfair to punish a student who had no hand, act or part in canvassing.

I have concerns about the exact form of standardisation that will be used. I fear that certain schools may feel discriminated against, as happened last year. Everyone wants the system to be fair and transparent for all concerned.

I recognise the significant contribution that teachers and students made to education last year and in the first three months of this year. Online teaching and learning proved difficult, but I commend all involved on their major effort to make it work. Many I have spoken to acknowledge that they would much rather be in the classroom. As such, the day that technology replaces humans as teachers is, thankfully, unforeseeable.

Going with a combination of examinations and accredited grades was the right option. It was the option most favoured by the students. It allows many of those who wish to sit the exams to do so while also catering for those who find it difficult to learn at home where circumstances might not be conducive to doing so for various reasons, for example, access to technology or decent broadband. The isolation of learning at home without the support of classmates proved to be the greatest challenge. I hope that we do not have to resort to that again in future.

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