Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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524. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide further detail on the plan for junior cycle qualifications in 2021. [10445/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Following a Government decision on 17 February, I confirmed that the Junior Cycle examinations will not be run in 2021. Schools will be provided with guidance on continuing to engage this year group in online learning and assessment during the period of school closure and through in-person learning when schools re-open.

This guidance and further information relating to the Junior Cycle of 2021 will be published by my Department shortly.

This decision follows intensive engagement with education stakeholders bilaterally and through the Planning for State Examinations 2021 Advisory Group and sub-group. The Advisory Group, which was initially constituted in April 2020, includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and my Department, including the National Educational Psychological Service.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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525. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans in place for junior cycle 2021 students who plan to leave school after this school year; and the certification they will be provided with to allow them to progress with their chosen apprenticeships and careers. [10446/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Following a Government decision on 17 February, I confirmed that the Junior Cycle examinations will not be run in 2021. Schools will be provided with guidance on continuing to engage this year group in online learning and assessment during the period of school closure and through in-person learning when schools re-open.

This guidance and further information relating to the Junior Cycle of 2021 will be published by my Department shortly.

This decision follows intensive engagement with education stakeholders bilaterally and through the Planning for State Examinations 2021 Advisory Group and sub-group. The Advisory Group, which was initially constituted in April 2020, includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and my Department, including the National Educational Psychological Service.