Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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311. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the form likely to be taken by the junior and leaving certificates in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13787/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In order to make an informed decision on state examinations 2022, I had intensive engagement, including bilateral meetings,  with members of the Advisory Group on State Examinations, which has representatives of students, parents, teachers, school managerial bodies, the further and higher education sector, and the State Examinations Commission.   I listened carefully to what each of these stakeholders and others had to say and examined each of their points.

Following consideration of this matter by Government, on 1st February, I announced the decision to operate an examinations approach for Leaving Certificate in 2022, with significant further adjustments to the examinations; and to provide students with a commitment that the overall results of Leaving Certificate 2022 will not be lower than in 2021.

The adjustments to the examination papers are over and above those announced in August 2021, and the detail of these changes have been communicated to schools. These adjustments will mean that candidates: have greater choice in the papers; have less questions to answer; and still have the same amount of time as in a normal year to complete the examination. For example, English - Higher Level Paper 1 and Paper 2. In English Paper 1, candidates will have to answer only half of the usual number of questions in Section 1, Comprehending. In English Paper 2 they will only have to answer on any two instead of on all three sections – a reduction of one third.

This is in addition to previously announced changes, such as the running of the Leaving Certificate Oral Examinations and Music Practical over the first week of the Easter Break.

Timeframes for certain assessment elements of the Leaving Certificate Applied examinations have also been moved out. Schools were also reminded of the flexibilities they have regarding the dates for completion and authentication of examination Coursework.

I also confirmed that Junior Cycle examinations will take place this summer. Adjustments to the assessment arrangements for Junior Cycle were published in August 2021 and provide for more teaching time in schools. They include a reduction in the number of Classroom Based Assessments to be completed, the removal of the requirement to complete Assessment Tasks, and adjustments to the requirements in coursework and practical performance tests.

In addition, there will be a second sitting of the Leaving Certificate examinations, shortly following the first sitting, for those unable to sit those examinations for serious medical reasons, close family bereavement, or due to Covid-19, based on the public health rules that will apply in society in June.

I also confirmed the waiving of the fees for the 2022 Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations. Students will not have to pay the fees which would usually be €116 and €109 for the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations respectively.