Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is apt the Acting Leader is in the position she is in today on St. Brigid's Day. I will raise a couple of issues. First is the Covid bonus payment. I was at St. Christopher's Services yesterday week with the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, and met a number of staff, etc. It is an issue that needs to be looked at. It was welcome for our front-line staff but we have to look at such staff across all services, be they the section 38 and 39 employees who did tremendous work and kept people safe over 18 months or the family carers who provide a vital service and save our State significant expenditure by looking after people in their own homes.

Numerous people have touched on the leaving certificate. I have spoken about it and was in favour of a hybrid model. However, the decision has been made. Wide consultation took place across teachers' unions, students, etc. The decision has been made in the best interests of students and based on the facts. It is incumbent on all of us and all parties to accept that decision, move on and not complicate the thing any further for students. I was reading through the various changes to the leaving certificate today. They are acceptable for students. They take into account the fact that people have not covered the entire course. We should all get behind our students and support them in the coming months ahead of their leaving certifiicate.