Leaving Cert result date an unnecessary delay for students
Labour Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has sharply criticised the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, for the unnecessary delay in publishing the results of Leaving Cert 2022.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“Providing Leaving Cert results on Friday, 2nd September is an unnecessary delay at the start of the academic year and will only serve to create more anxiety for students who have already endured so much over the last number of years. The written exams are taking place at the usual time, and the accredited grades system is already in place, so I am at a loss as to why the results date will be in September.
“The Minister’s and the Department’s handling of this year’s Leaving Cert group has been unfair and the cause of much stress. The decision to push the results to 2nd September is simply unworkable. This decision will unnecessarily push students into snap decisions, with no space for reflection, organisation, orientation or to secure decent accommodation. In the midst of a severe housing crisis we find this utterly unacceptable.
“Students and parents need to be given ample time and space to reflect on their results and what that means for their future. No one should be bounced into further education when a better option may be to repeat their leaving cert, do an apprenticeship or go straight into the workforce. People need a chance to organise themselves and secure accommodation. Similarly, colleges need time to prepare for student orientation.
“The September date is just not going to work for the class of 2022. It is that simple. Minister Foley and Minister Harris are going to have to open lines of communication. This group of students can’t continue to be victims of poor planning by this Government and fire-fighting by the Department of Education.”