The Social Democrats spokesperson on Education, Gary Gannon TD, has expressed grave concerns for the mental health of young people in light of the three-week delay in the Leaving Certificate results.
Deputy Gannon said:
“The last Government was crippled by indecision when it came to whether or not State exams would be able to proceed. Former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, even said at one stage that the exams would go ahead ‘by hook or by crook’ which ultimately proved not to be the case.
“All the uncertainty leading up to June caused considerable distress for students and their families. Now we have more of the same from the new Government with the Minister for Education’s announcement yesterday that the calculated grading results for the Leaving Certificate will not be available until September 7.
“Even in ordinary times, this can be a stressful time of year for students as they await confirmation of their results and consider their third level options. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has further complicated decisions that students have to make about their futures, such as trying to find accommodation away from home at short notice in a dysfunctional rental market.
“This latest announcement by the Government is a further hammer blow to students and I am concerned about the impact it will have on the already fragile mental health of many of our young people. This delay will also cause additional stress and difficulties for parents and guardians trying to support their child in such an uncertain and worrying time.”
ENDS
July 17, 2020