Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

What students have asked for and a point on which they have been consistent was choice, which meant a choice between a traditional exam in whatever form and calculated grades. That was deemed appropriate and necessary last year because of the Covid disruption and the truth is that this year's leaving certificate students have been similarly disrupted. There has been significant disruption to the learning of fifth-year and sixth-year students.

If the Taoiseach listened to what students were telling him, he would be left in no doubt that when they asked the Minister for choice, that is what they meant. Yes, they wanted clarity. They wanted a clear expression from Government that they had been heard and that fairness would guide the decision of Government. Nothing the Taoiseach has said to me explains away the fact that he has failed to give that choice to our students.

I reiterate that students have been through an incredible disruption. This has had an effect, as the Taoiseach conceded, on their learning.

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