Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Government, I welcome the opportunity to close what has been a very insightful and informative debate on this very important matter. The many contributions made during the debate will feed into the Department's continuing engagement with members of the advisory group on State examinations in planning for these examinations this year. It is important to hear and understand all voices and perspectives in determining the most appropriate approach for the examinations, and an approach that is fair and equitable.

I agree with the view expressed by a number of Deputies that it is important to provide clarity on the position for students as soon as possible in order to enable them to focus on their preparations. I would also like to echo the sentiments expressed earlier by the Minister, Deputy Foley, who applauded the ongoing work of all of those working in schools to support their students during what have been and continue to be very difficult circumstances. I would also like to acknowledge the valuable role played by parents, guardians and families in continuing to support students in preparing for State examinations. I have a son doing the leaving certificate this year and, like all parents, I want to support him as much as I can.

The Minister outlined the various adjustments and arrangements that have been announced since August 2021 regarding State examinations in 2022, in light of the ongoing impact of Covid on the learning experience of students preparing for exams. These arrangements were announced following engagement with the advisory group on planning for State examinations.

More broadly, I particularly welcome the range of other measures put in place to enhance teaching and learning in our schools, including those measures announced to address the greater impacts on the education of some students and the learning loss suffered by them. These include the opportunity provided to primary and post-primary schools to offer summer provision at a cost of €40 million, in addition to the €10 million allocated to a supplementary education programme aimed at students with special educational needs.

I also welcome the provision of up to €52 million in extra teaching hours made by the Department for the Covid-19 learning and support scheme, CLASS. Under the scheme, a block of additional teaching hours is provided to each recognised school from which schools can provide additional teaching support for the pupils and students who have expressed difficulties in settling back into school and engaging with learning.

Students at post-primary level who have additional needs may have special arrangements made for them while sitting State examinations such as the leaving and junior certificate. Candidates with disabilities such as, for example, visual impairments, learning difficulties, motor and mobility impairments and so on can apply, through their schools, for the scheme of reasonable accommodation at certificate examinations, RACE. The purpose of that scheme is to allow candidates who have special educational needs that interfere with their capacity to engage with the standard examination arrangements to demonstrate what they know and can do without compromising the integrity of the assessment. Each school also has the authority to make special provisions for students with special needs during State examinations on the basis of what is best for them and in consultation with the students' families. The supports that have been made available to assist students in managing well-being, coping with uncertainty and managing stress and anxiety developed by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, in the Department are also very welcome.

The Minister outlined the considered adjustments and amendments made to date regarding State examinations in 2022. She stated that she, the Government, her Department, the State Examinations Commission and the advisory group on planning for State examinations are working to bring clarity for all students as soon as possible regarding the leaving certificate in 2022.

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