Written answers

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Department of Education and Skills

State Examinations

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if primary legislation is required for the changes introduced to the leaving certificate in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5946/20]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Leaving Certificate is not provided for in statute. Rather, the holding of the Leaving Certificate, which assesses educational attainment at the end of post-primary schooling, is an administrative practice.

The Leaving Certificate 2020 examinations are being postponed, not cancelled. The examinations will be run at a future date when it is safe and practicable to do so. Candidates retain the right, if they so wish, to sit the written Leaving Certificate examinations as soon as it is safe and practicable for these to be organised, having regard to the number of candidates seeking such examinations.

The powers vested in the State Examinations Commission extend only to the operation of examinations. Consequently it is not possible for the Commission to implement the calculated grades model. The calculated grades model, which is being implemented by my Department, will offer a fair and safe option to all candidates to receive an assessment of their end of post-primary schooling.

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