Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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544. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on in-person testing assessments under level 5 restrictions in further and higher education institutions; his views on whether the practice is in line with public health advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5784/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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At present, the Level 5 measures designate higher and further education as essential insofar as onsite presence is required for education activities that cannot be held remotely. In overall terms, the sectors have rapidly adjusted to a more restrictive environment again, with all further and higher education institutions conducting the vast majority of their provision online. The balance between on-site and online provision has been subject to continuous change in order to safeguard students, staff and the communities in which institutions are located. Reflecting the recent deterioration in the Covid-19 situation, FET and HE providers are adapting and using their discretion to restrict onsite attendance further, only allowing the most essential work to take place onsite. Institutional and provider determinations regarding onsite activities are focused on activities that are not capable of being delivered through alternative means and are time-critical for students and learners during this period.

There is a high level of autonomy in the sector and therefore it is not within my remit to determine assessment policies. However, I appreciate that the circumstances of this past year have been both challenging and stressful to students, and institutions are taking this into account in assessment design and implementation. At the same time, institutions must ensure that the assessment methods being used satisfy the requirements of professional or accrediting bodies, and external examiners, so that the integrity of the assessment process will not be compromised, thus maintaining confidence and transparency in the quality of the qualifications awarded.