Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that, irrespective of the Deputy's views, we are still in a Covid environment. For that reason, appropriate provision had to be made for students, taking that environment into account. That is exactly what students, their families and the school communities wanted. That is equally true with regard to our achievement in previous years. It is remarkable that, throughout the Covid pandemic, we have found opportunities for students through the calculated grades process in 2020, the accredited grades process with the offer of a seated examination for students last year, which was almost unique in the world, and the full sitting of the examination this year with accommodation for a second sitting. It is also important the commitment was given to students that the overall results in 2022 would be no lower, in the aggregate, than the 2021 results. It is important the State Examinations Commission can stand over the integrity of the examinations. It is not possible for the work to be done to ensure the grade profile for 2022 matches the 2021 profile until all examinations are completed.

It is important from the students' point of view and the school communities' point of view that the imprimatur of the State Examinations Commission is provided for these exams.

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