Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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264. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether any allowances can be made for students currently in fifth year studying for the leaving certificate, given the interference with their education, particularly regarding languages during second and third year. [21074/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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On 2 September 2022, I announced that adjustments would be made to the assessment arrangements for students due to sit State examinations in 2023, to take account of the disruption to their learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This provided clarity, certainty and reassurance to students, their parents/guardians, teachers and schools at the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The changes were made with due regard for the principles of equity, fairness and integrity, in relation to student-to-student, subject-to-subject, and year-to-year comparisons.

In addition, I have already stated that there would be no “cliff edge” for this year’s students in relation to grades. This is part of the planning ongoing for 2023 examinations, in regard to which my Department is working closely with the State Examinations Commission which is responsible for the operation, delivery and development of the State examinations.

In relation to 2024, the detailed planning will commence following the 2023 examinations.