Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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272. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the contingency planning for second-level schools and students specifically in relation to practical and oral examinations; when they are likely to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4998/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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After it was announced on 10th April that schools would remain closed until further notice, I announced that the June Junior Cycle State Examinations would be replaced with school-based examinations and assessments to be held early in the new school year. On 29th of April I announced details of the school-based assessment and reporting arrangements for students who are concluding Junior Cycle in May 2020, and also stated that these assessments should be completed and marked by schools before 29th May 2020, and not early in the new school year as originally advised. Under these arrangements, the scheduled oral and practical components of the state Junior Cycle examinations will not now take place.

These details were finalised following advice received from an advisory group of stakeholders for contingency planning for the 2020 state examinations which I convened. The group membership includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, and Departmental officials, including the National Educational Psychological Service.

On last Friday, 8th May, I announced the postponement of the 2020 Leaving Certificate examinations. Following a decision at Cabinet, students are to be offered the option of receiving Calculated Grades for the subjects they are studying and the alternative of sitting the 2020 Leaving Certificate examinations at a date in the future when it is considered safe to hold the examinations. This decision was taken following an assessment of public health advice and other information and the implications for holding the exams from the previously rescheduled date of Wednesday 29 July 2020. Under the arrangements announced last Friday, the scheduled oral and practical components of the state Leaving Certificate examinations will not now take place.

I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by students, teachers and families at this difficult time. All decisions taken in relation to the examinations are based on public health advice. The welfare of students and that of their families is front and centre in all our decision making.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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273. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to set a new date for the commencement of the junior and leaving certificate examinations scheduled for June 2020; if exams will proceed as initially planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4999/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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After it was announced of 10th April that schools would remain closed until further notice, I announced that the June Junior Cycle State Examinations would be replaced with school-based examinations and assessments to be held early in the new school year. On the 29th of April I announced details of the school-based assessment and reporting arrangements for students who are concluding Junior Cycle in May 2020.

These details were finalised following advice received from an advisory group of stakeholders for contingency planning for the 2020 state examinations which I convened. The group membership includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, and Departmental officials, including the National Educational Psychological Service.

On last Friday, 8th May, I announced the postponement of the 2020 Leaving Certificate examinations. Following a decision at Cabinet, students are to be offered the option of receiving Calculated Grades for the subjects they are studying and the alternative of sitting the 2020 Leaving Certificate examinations at a date in the future when it is considered safe to hold the examinations. This decision was taken following an assessment of public health advice and other information and the implications for holding the exams from the previously rescheduled date of Wednesday 29 July 2020.

I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by students, teachers and families at this difficult time. All decisions taken in relation to the examinations are based on public health advice. The welfare of students and that of their families is front and centre in all our decision making.