Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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441. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if provision will be made for a person (details supplied) to take their exams. [58274/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am conscious of the concerns some students have about in-person end of term examinations, and on Friday 19th November I met with management, staff and student representatives to discuss a number of key issues, including arrangements for examinations.

Management bodies confirmed that they are actively looking at a range of approaches to ensure that end of term examinations will be safe, and that the requirements of students who may have Covid-19 or underlying health conditions can be addressed.

Universities have advised that they have already issued timetables for in-person examinations taking place before Christmas. Universities had already planned many online exams and contingency plans are being prepared for the remaining onsite exams. Some exams with external accreditation may prove difficult to change to an online format at short notice.

Universities are also seeking to reduce the risk of students attending examinations in person when they should be self-isolating. Procedures for students to self-certify as unwell or unfit to attend and for easier and penalty-free deferral options are being put in place.

Local institutions have discretion and will use their risk assessment and management systems. Timely engagement and communications with their stakeholders will be essential. I encourage students who have concerns to engage directly with their higher education institutions, as the institutions themselves are best placed to provide information on the contingency plans that are in place.