Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am not saying this is easy but it has to happen. I rarely come in here and say something like that. The mental health of the students is paramount. I know there are issues with regard to third level. Those who have gone into third level this year and last year have performed quite well after what they have had to go through, which is great. This year's students, however, lost three months in fifth year. They have suffered an awful lot again this year. That is not fair and fairness should be the medium by which we decide this.

I believe the leaving certificate and its role will change dramatically in the coming years. We all know that. This year will possibly and hopefully be the last year. It has to be a hybrid system. I know there are challenges given the situation with the junior certificate but there are definitely ways in which that can be dealt with.

I understand the advisory group is coming together tomorrow. As a follow-up, if the Taoiseach is not going to give an answer on whether a hybrid model will be offered, will he at least propose some date by which a decision will be made for the thousands of people who are watching and all the students who will look back on this on social media? Will it be next week, for instance?

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