Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
275. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to assist students on post-leaving certificate courses that have exams coming up to get into third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6371/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra406. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being put forward to protect post-leaving certificate students similar to the leaving certificate in view of the fact that students have had their learning significantly interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if it will be recommended to higher level institutions that places be dedicated to students coming from post-leaving certificate routes in view of the expected reduction in the number of international students. [7005/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 406 together.
Education and Training Boards (ETBs) have an agreed position on determining and implementing reasonable alternative methods of assessment for their learners, while ensuring that learning outcomes can continue to be assessed and approved by academic governance. Each ETB has developed more detailed contingency plans at provider level, submitted to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), and published on each ETB’s website. These alternative methods are currently being applied across ETB provision, including post-leaving certificate courses.
ETBs have participated fully in structures established with the higher and further education sectors to manage the response to Covid-19. All agencies, awarding bodies and other relevant stakeholders continue to work closely to ensure that ETB learners currently undertaking, or due to undertake, assessments, or completing 2020 academic calendar courses for the purpose of progression to higher education will be facilitated to do so.
