Changes to Leaving cert
Leaving Cert postponed until late July or August.
Junior Cycle exams have been cancelled for this year, and will be replaced with school-based exams later in the year.
State exams typically take place in June.
There had been growing concerns about whether they could take place as normal due to the ongoing school closures.
Today I have taken a series of decisions in relation to schools and the state exams.
There is no perfect solution. But I believe this is the fairest decision we could take.
We are planning in the best interests of our students and their families.#coronavirus #COVID19 https://t.co/o0aeUWxvBG
— Joe McHugh (@McHughJoeTD) April 10, 2020
Restrictions to control the spread of the coronavirus have been extended for another three weeks.
They were due to end on Sunday night, but will now expire after the May Bank Holiday weekend on May 5th.
Announcing the decision the Taoiseach said the scarifies to date were making a difference and the spread of the virus had slowed.
McHugh says their preference is that there would be some class time before the exams and they want to give leaving cert students the chance to finish their education
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 10, 2020
The Government this afternoon confirmed the rules will be extended as health officials continue to work to drive down the number of COVID-19 cases here.
Speaking at Government Buildings this afternoon Leo Varadkar thanked the public for the "sacrifices they've made so far".
However, he said we "have to keep going" - and said the Government has now accepted the latest recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team.
The current restrictions - which include the closure of non-essential businesses and advice for everyone to stay at home wherever possible - will now be in effect until Tuesday May 5th.
