Harris calls for clarity on date for Leaving Cert results

Minister for Further Education Simon Harris has called for clarity in relation to when Leaving Certificate students can expect their results.

The results could be delayed again this year arising from a second sitting of the tests in July to accommodate students who have been diagnosed with Covid-19.

Mr Harris told Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio that the State Examinations Commission is trying to judge how many students are going to undertake the first versus the second examination sitting before they give clarity on the date.

“I think we need the clarity. I have publicly called on the Commission to just call it. My understanding though is that they would rather wait for the exams to start and a few days in begin to see ‘look most people have done the first sitting therefore we are not expecting that many to do the second’,” he said.

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“Last year the results were I think on September 7th. I would be hoping that they will be a little earlier this year. I have made my views known to the Department of Education.”

Mr Harris said results day should be penciled into a date in August. “If it could get back into August it would make planning for August a lot easier, planning for student accommodation a lot easier as well. Leaving Cert students have a lot going on and are stressed at this stage.

“What I would be saying to them is that the clarity will come shortly. Minister Foley shares my view in relation to wanting clarity on the date. I think it is important that the State Examinations Commission calls this and calls it quickly.”

Meanwhile, Mr Harris said every effort is being made to reduce college fees and improve grants.

“What I will do in advance of the Budget probably in September is publish an options paper on the cost of education for everyone to see and we will make a decision in the Budget on how best to proceed.”