Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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245. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47113/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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A number of requests to undertake the Senior Cycle (Leaving Certificate) programme over a one-year period are received each year, the Department under its rules does not provide for this option. This is because the programme, both in breadth and depth, was purposely designed to be covered over two academic years and not one. The Department has a responsibility to all students to ensure that sufficient time is given to them to fully cover the Leaving Certificate programme and to allow them prepare for the terminal examinations.

The Department also has a duty to ensure that the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools are implemented correctly and that all students are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Section VI – Certificates and Examinations - Rule 35 of the Rules sets out the eligibility criteria for admission to the Leaving Certificate examination. This rule requires all candidates to have completed a Leaving Certificate course as a recognised senior pupil in a second-level school for not less than two years.