The Minister for Education has told the Dáil that the Leaving Cert will go ahead in late July.
Minister Joe McHugh said the first exam will be held on July 29th with the timetable and format to be released in the first week of June.
Min Joe McHugh saying there will be a timetable on the Leaving Cert by the first week of June and it will start on July 29th.
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 23, 2020
“I am confirming in the House tonight that the 29th of July is the start date,” he said.
“The timetabling, which is a really, really important question […] the first week in June will be the time, after the work of the advisory group is completed.
“Working with the State Examination Commission, that will be the date to let students know, in advance of the 29th of July, how the format and how the timetable will look.”
File photo | Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ieA number of TDs, including the Social Democrat’s Gary Gannon and Solidarity TDs Mick Barry and Gina Kenny raised objection to the plan.
Deputy Kenny asked the Minister what would happen if there is no improvement in the public health situation by the start of June.
Meanwhile, Deputy Gannon said the organisation of the State exams was becoming the Government’s Dunkirk moment, suggesting it is determined to go ahead with the Leaving Cert at any cost.
Minister McHugh said he would keep the situation under “close review” in the meantime.
Meanwhile, fees for the exams will not fall due until after they take place.
Following @Education_Ire @McHughJoeTD announcement #LeavingCert will begin July 29, we'd like to invite students to an Instagram live with a guidance counsellor tomorrow night at 8pm over on @unicef_ireland_youth #ForEveryChild #Support pic.twitter.com/u3ZPjwmQy5
— UNICEF Irl YOUTH (@UnicefIRLyouth) April 23, 2020
He encouraged young people to reach out for help if they are feeling stressed or unsure about sitting the exams amid the outbreak.
He said the department was establishing a dedicated helpline to support students.
