Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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522. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if State certificates of completion will be issued to junior certificate candidates in 2021; if this certificate will serve as a mechanism for entry into apprenticeships; if not, the way in which students who were due to complete the junior certificate examinations can be deemed eligible for entry into apprenticeships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12152/21]

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.

This year, my department issued letters of completion to any candidates who requested them to facilitate entry into an apprenticeship programme. Similar accommodations will be made for the class of 2021.

My Department will continue to engage with SOLAS and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on the issue of apprenticeship eligibility.