Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The leaving certificate results are due out in the next few weeks and, as we all know, it is a very stressful time for students and their families, even more so this year with Covid-19 and all that students and their families had to put up with and the stress surrounding this time. I understand school principals have expressed concern as to how the results will be communicated this year in light of Covid-19. Normally, at 9 a.m. on the day of the exam results, students and family members would call to the school to get the results handed to them or, alternatively, they are emailed at midday. This year, there are the rules about social distancing to which we all have to adhere. However, there is also the calculation of grades this year, and teachers are very closely associated with the grades that students are going to get. If a student is handed a result in a particular subject and is disappointed with that result, it puts the student, the parents and the teacher in a very difficult situation.I ask that the Minister for Education and Skills take this on board and consider how the results will be communicated and delivered to the students on the day they come out. Students have been through a very difficult and stressful time. We do not want to add to the stress and difficulty. Results day is not just about getting results. School staff are always available to give a helping hand to students who may be disappointed on the day. It is important that the Minister responsible for education consult all the stakeholders, both students and parents, to ensure the day will be as smooth as it possibly can be.