Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, want to raise the matter of supports. The Minister will be aware of the committee report of a number of months ago which highlighted the inevitable additional supports that would be required for students after Covid. It highlights the necessity for us to put in place enhanced mental health supports, particularly in our schools. I understand that is occurring at third level, but it is also eminently necessary at second level. The Minister has made a difficult decision under very difficult circumstances so as not to have to bring in measures such as profiling, which clearly was not desired in the committee or in this House.

As stated earlier by my colleague, Deputy Bruton, it is necessary for us to re-evaluate the leaving certificate as it currently stands in terms of continuous examination and ensuring that that terminal examination is not a one-day event.

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