Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As a parent, and having put four through the leaving certificate in recent years, it is a hugely significant examination for students.

In the past year, there was the hybrid model. While people may accept the point about memory retention, I believe there is scope for both. People have to be able to perform in an examination but, equally, they must be judged on their continuous assessment. Does the Minister consider the most recent leaving certificate, that hybrid model, a success and is it something that will feed into the process outside of everything else?

It is a significant examination. For someone at 17, 18 or 19 years of age, one has to ask if it is catering for all skills. At the same time, it is an equitable examination that the public have faith in. I like the fact of people going to an examination and putting their number at the top of the page. It does not signify who they are. I like that aspect of it and it is something that I value. We should not lose that.

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