Statement 01 May, 2020
1 May, 2020 – Department of Education and Skills’ statement on stakeholder engagement in relation to the State Examinations
The Department of Education and Skills today (Friday 1 May 2020) hosted a fifth meeting with a range of stakeholders as part of planning in relation to the State Examinations during the Covid-19 response.
The advisory group of stakeholders includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission, the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Department.
The Higher Education Authority attends meetings in an observer capacity, to assist feeding back to consultations it is involved with across the third level sector.
The advisory group continued discussions on the practicalities of holding the Leaving Certificate examinations given the constraints of social distancing and other requirements that may be necessary on foot of public health advice.
This followed discussions on the challenges involved in providing two weeks of schooling prior to the running of the Leaving Certificate examination.
The group agreed to meet again to continue its discussions on Wednesday next, 6 May.
The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. said: “I want to thank all the members of the group for their continued efforts in helping to formulate plans in relation to this year’s examinations.
“The stakeholders’ advice was a great assistance in informing the decision on revised arrangements for the Junior Cycle earlier this week. I look forward to the group continuing its work.”