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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021

Tuesday, 7 December 2021

Ceisteanna (419, 425)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

419. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department will issue Covid-19 safety guidelines to third-level institutions in relation to in-person Christmas exams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59879/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

425. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if all third-level students will be given the option to take scheduled exams online in circumstances in which students are concerned regarding ongoing public heath guidelines; if he will advise in the case of a specific institution (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60366/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 419 and 425 together.

Education is an essential service and the Government has agreed that it can continue on-site, in line with Safe Return Plan published in June. The Safe Return Plan and the most recent guidance on the current approach advocate and support contingency planning to ensure that institutions remain flexible and adaptable in response to changes in the public health environment.

My Department does not determine sector specific matters at this level and there is no intention to introduce a specific regulation in relation to the holding of in-person examinations in response to COVID 19. However, in order to address concerns I recently met with management, staff and student representatives and the issue was discussed.

Due to the diversity of our higher education institutions, and the broad range of activities they undertake and the different contexts and requirements applicable to examinations, it was agreed that a uniform or one size fits all approach would not be appropriate across the whole of higher education or indeed the tertiary sector more generally. Management bodies confirmed that they are actively looking at a range of approaches to ensure that end of term examinations will be safe, and that the requirements of students who may have Covid-19 or underlying health conditions can be addressed. It was also pointed out that there are some examinations – such as those related to external accreditation - which are challenging to change to an online format at short notice.

The outcome of the meeting was that individual higher education institutions will assess the appropriate approach to examinations consistent with the outcome of their risk assessments of appropriate approach taking into account the significant contextual factors that arise in different instances.

In all instances public health must remain a priority and I know that there will be a continuing focus on the evolving and often quickly changing public health situation overall. The Deputy may wish to know I have recently announced a €9 million fund to allow institutions provide free antigen tests to students.

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