Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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376. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is considering reforms of the leaving certificate for the future in view of the Covid-19 impact on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57410/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Having worked for many years in the classroom I appreciate that exam time, most notably the Leaving Certificate, can be a stressful time for students, and of course the pandemic has created additional challenges. The decisions taken by Government about Leaving Certificate 2021, in the context of the impact on teaching and learning of the Covid-19 pandemic, were taken with the best interests of students in mind.

The NCCA’s Senior Cycle Review: Advisory Report has been submitted to me for consideration and will be published once that consideration process is complete. Those considerations are being progressed with the best interests of students in mind.

The Advisory Report maps out, in broad terms, an ambitious programme of work, which would enable the development and construction of the components that would make up a Framework for Senior Cycle and will involve further ongoing stakeholder engagement and consultation. The voices of students have contributed to the Advisory Report and will again be heard in those further engagements and consultations.

Regarding examinations in 2022, adjusted assessment arrangements for students taking Leaving Certificate examinations next year were issued last August in advance of the start of the school year. These arrangements are designed to take account of the disrupted learning experienced by students during the Covid-19 pandemic by incorporating adjustments in a manner similar to the initial adjustments that were made for the students taking examinations in 2021.

I and my Department officials are keenly aware of the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our education system over the past two years, including its impact on students who were due to take their Leaving Certificate examinations in those years. I expect that the lessons to be learnt from the pandemic will be considered and where appropriate, will assist in informing the redevelopment of Senior Cycle.