Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Leaving certificate students have faced huge disruption in their lives over the past two years. Their leaving certificate cycle has been repeatedly interrupted with many teachers struggling to cover the course because of the significant disruptions. Teachers and students have had to self-isolate with some having to isolate multiple times. There are cases of students not having access to the Internet due to many parts of the State still lacking basic broadband infrastructure. For a lot of young people these are seen as the most important exams they will do in their lives. The reality of the past two years has to be acknowledged. It would be completely unfair to expect these students to sit a normal leaving certificate exam.

I am sure there are some students who have managed the past two years well and feel prepared; that is great if they do. On the other hand, I know there are many students who have had the opposite experience. We need a system that treats people fairly and is mindful of how hard the past two years have been for our students. The survey of students that was conducted by ISSU shows that students want a choice. Just under 70% of the 40,000 that responded said they would favour a hybrid model. Their voices should not be ignored.

Students need clarity and they should not have to wait any longer for it. After all the disruption the last thing that is needed is further confusion. I hope the Minister takes this on board and does the right thing for our students. They deserve it.

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