Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Taoiseach about leaving certificate reform, which seems to have come off the rails again, unfortunately. Much expectation was built up over the course of Covid, when we had different forms of leaving certificate assessment, that we could have a radical overhaul of this very outdated exam which is not fit for purpose. It has not changed since I did it 30 years ago. There is much disquiet about the fact that the leaving certificate results day will be late again this year, as it was last year, which has implications for students. The mental health of young people is something we talk about an awful lot but the leaving certificate has the biggest impact on the life of a 17, 18 or 19-year-old. We have an opportunity to change it. In fairness to the Minister, she has recommended some changes but she has fallen away from them. Perhaps this needs the Department of the Taoiseach to intervene. When will we see a radical shake-up of this outdated exam? It really is not fit for purpose anymore. I do not think anybody would stand up in this Chamber and say that it needs to stay in the current format.

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