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State Examinations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (188, 281)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

188. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a series of matters (details supplied) regarding the leaving certificate. [8656/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

281. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills when it will be possible to arrange a written leaving certificate examination [9299/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 281 together.

The Leaving Certificate results based on calculated grades will be provided to candidates as close as possible to the normal results day.

Students unhappy with the calculated grade they receive will have access to an appeals process. Work is ongoing with the higher education sector to integrate the timing of the first stage of the appeals process with the start date for college entry.

Students who receive an upgraded CAO place following Stage 1 of the appeals process may be able to take up their place in the 2020/2021 academic year.

The timeframe for sitting the postponed Leaving Certificate 2020 examinations cannot be determined at this time pending public health advice that would identify a safe period of time to do so and the numbers of candidates in each subject has been identified. It is not expected that students who seek to rely on the results of the postponed examinations will be able to commence a third level place in the 2020/2021 academic year.

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) independently administers the HPAT on behalf of the universities’ medical schools and the RCSI.  The selection criteria and process for admission to medical schools is a matter for those institutions in line with their statutory autonomy in relation to academic affairs. Neither I nor my Department has a function in the administration of the HPAT, including the issuing of results.

Students who choose to sit the 2020 Leaving Certificate exams when it is safe to do so and who receive an improved CAO offer on foot of these results will receive a deferred offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year. However such offers are part of the 2020 application cycle, and will use the results of the 2020 HPAT sitting.

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