Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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275. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has plans to move the average points awarded in the leaving certificate back to the type of normal distribution which prevailed before Covid; and if so, the way that this will be accomplished. [47271/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The state examinations for 2022 saw examinations for all students, Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle, return for the first time since 2019.

Recognising the disruption to teaching and learning which had been experienced by students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in February 2022 I announced measures to address concerns that had been raised. These included changes to exam papers, beyond adjustments made at the start of the school year, which gave students added choice and time in the exam hall, relieving pressure and ensuring greater fairness.

The arrangements for the examinations of 2022 also included a commitment that the results would be, on aggregate, no lower than those of 2021. This reflected the concern that the class of 2022 might be disadvantaged in comparison with 2021, particularly when it came to access to work or further and higher education. Accordingly a “post-marking adjustment” was made to all of the results. This means that the overall aggregate set of results for 2022 is no lower than 2021.

It is important to note that the aggregate results were also no higher than in 2021, ie there was no grade inflation this year as compared with last year. In the context of consideration to be given to the complex issue of grade inflation, I have been clear that there will be no "cliff edge" return to pre-pandemic results levels.

I can also advise that, in recognition that the students sitting 2023 state examinations will have experienced some disruption to teaching and learning, adjustments to exam papers for 2023 were communicated to schools in early September. The level of adjustment will be the same as that announced in August 2021, updated as relevant, and will play to student strengths by leaving intact the familiar overall structure of the examinations, while incorporating additional choice in the examinations.