Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is important to acknowledge there has been a considerable amount of forward planning by the Department in preparing for the 2022 leaving certificate. I acknowledge the contribution of the advisory group, as I outlined, which is representative of students, parents, teachers, managerial bodies and the wider spectrum of education partners. It is positive that we can now indicate to students what will be before them as they return to school at the end of August and early September. Advance notice is important not just to students but to teachers as well.

We are constantly engaging with public health officials about mitigation measures and the operation of our schools. That engagement continues and any mitigation measures required, as I indicated earlier, are being and will be put in place. As I have said, we have made provision for a second running of leaving certificate examinations for the 2022 cohort. That is very important and students should be aware that the provision is there for them.

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