Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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664. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being considered to recognise the effect that high incidences of Covid-19 and new restrictions have had on third level students and their ability to perform in exams and coursework due in January 2021; and if he will work with third level institutions to bring about policies to mitigate same. [1156/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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With the deterioration of the COVID-19 situation in Ireland in recent weeks, HE and FET providers have been required to adapt again and carefully restrict the number of staff and students coming on-site. 

Institutions and providers are using their discretion to restrict onsite attendance, only allowing the most essential work to take place onsite. Local assessments of what can be offered onsite are focussed on activities that are not capable of being delivered through alternative means and are time-critical for students and learners during this period.

 Institutions and providers have been very careful and adaptable in using this discretion in planning onsite activities, taking account of the public health situation nationally and locally including the most recent deterioration, and are communicating directly with their students and learners about the activities that will be provided onsite and online, and the supports that are available to them.  Providers and institutions are also cognisant of the need to facilitate students and learners who do not have accommodation arrangements near their institutions and are not in a position to travel or who have specific health considerations.