Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Murphy for his question. I watched much of the discussion this evening on "Six One". In the main, students asked for clarity regarding leaving certificate 2022 and they acknowledged they have received that. In fact, the students asked for four things when I met them. The second thing they asked was that there would be additional changes made to the exam papers and we have provided for that. They also raised the issue of grade inflation in terms of the class of 2022 competing with the class of 2021 and we have addressed that issue for them. They also raised the issue of accredited grades, but as I have already explained, we are not in a position to offer accredited grades this year because one in four students does not have data related to the junior cycle. Those data are important because they are used for comparability or standardisation for students.

It is fair to say that the reaction of students today has been varied. The views of parents and others around the table are also varied. I have met with all of those around the table, including parents, students, teaching unions and management bodies, have listened to them and heard what they had to say.

Specifically on the four points that were raised by the students, I have gone as far as I possibly can to ensure they are presented with what they have asked me to do for them. I am in a position to deliver on three of their requests but the fourth one, for reasons I have outlined, cannot be delivered because of an absence of data. We are not in a position to provide for accredited grades this year in a similar fashion to last year. If Deputy Murphy heard the news this evening, he would recognise that many of the students accepted that the absence of data is an issue.

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