Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. As he mentioned, those meetings are happening today. We hope and expect to be able to give students clarity on the format of the leaving certificate in the very near future. As the Deputy is aware, the orals and aurals will be taking place during the Easter holidays to allow more time for preparation. The decision on subject choices has been made already so there is just a final thing to decide on, which is whether there will be the hybrid or the more traditional model.

I have heard different views and the Deputy has alluded to the fact that there are different views within my own party on this. I prefer not to express a personal opinion because students do not want to hear mixed messages but just want to know what the story is going to be and we know what their clear preference is in respect of what the answer should be. I should allow those meetings to happen today and allow the Minister, Deputy Foley, to make an announcement in due course.

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