Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I am acutely aware and conscious that the leaving certificate can be a stressful time for families and students. There is the stress of the examinations and of the decisions for students as they determine their pathways into work and continued education. We are taking a gradual approach to the return to pre-pandemic outcomes. I note the point the Senator made. Everybody accepts that we must work through this with the gradual approach that has also been taken in other jurisdictions. Students sitting their leaving certificate examinations this year will still benefit from the adjustment to assessment arrangements and the post-marking adjustment that the State Examinations Commission will implement. We are acutely conscious that this is a complex issue with no simple solution. The timelines for further removal of the post-marking adjustments and the exact level of future adjustments after 2025 will be informed by the 2025 experience. It is appropriate that we take the time to review the 2025 experience before making any adjustments to the time required for a full return to normal marking processes.

The Department of Education is working with the Department of further and higher education on this matter. The Department has been working over many years with the higher and further education and training sectors to provide increased opportunities and pathways to help reduce the pressures on students. I have been advised this morning that the CAO and higher education institutes are working to address any challenges and respond to student demand, ensuring that students have access to the opportunities they deserve.