Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also acknowledge the new Senator and wish him the best of luck. I hope he enjoys his experience in this wonderful House.

We should have a debate with the Minister for Education about Irish oral examinations in the past few weeks. We have had a bizarre situation in which the profile for having oral examinations count as part of the leaving certificate has been changed. Traditionally, the examinations take place in school time. This year, as happened during the Covid-19 period, we had them during the Easter holidays. On the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Easter holidays, students were brought in to do their oral leaving certificate examinations. No school transportation was provided and there was no support for the students.

I acknowledge the teachers who came in on their own time to support students. Some had good experiences and some had terrible experiences. The lack of support due to the schools being effectively closed was a big issue for students. Everyone needs a break to refocus. At Easter, students have other things to do other subjects they need to study. It is terrible that the Covid guidelines for dealing with this have not changed. I fundamentally believe the Minister needs to change the approach and appear before the House. While knocking on doors, I spoke to parents who were horrified that students were put through this without any support. I acknowledge the teachers who went in on their own time to support these students. That must be acknowledged but the Minister and the Department need to change focus. Unfortunately, they have not done so.