Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I first want to echo Deputy O’Sullivan’s points in the previous debate. There is a very serious issue in relation to the allocation of special educational classes in Cork city and suburbs. I give specific mention to the issue of post-primary in Ballincollig.

Much has been made of the fact that this is not the same situation as last year. Of course, that is true, it is not precisely the same. However, it is the case that this is not a normal year and it is nothing like a normal year. Students faced months outside of the classroom. They have endured significant periods of self-isolation themselves, perhaps two or three periods, perhaps the same for their class teachers. It is proving very difficult to cover the course. The Minister will go to the stakeholders' meeting tomorrow. Of course, all voices have to be listened to, but she should listen in particular to the voice of students. What they are saying is clear, it is fair and it is deliverable. That is that they are given the choice between accredited grades and written exams. I believe it can be done. The Minister went for that herself last year. It was the right choice. Many people called for it and she responded to it. I urge her to do the same again this year.

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