Pringle presses Government for an update on Leaving Cert reform

A Donegal TD has demanded the Government keep students and teachers apprised of work on Leaving Certificate reform.

Addressing the Dáil, Deputy Pringle spoke of how it had impacted on local TY students in his own area.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Laura, who has been doing work experience in my office, for today’s question. She, like many other TY students in my constituency in Donegal, and indeed across the country, are very concerned about Leaving Cert reform.

“On March 29, 2022, Minister for Education, Norma Foley, announced her plan for a major reform of the Leaving Cert from 2024 onwards. This would mean students will be starting the new course this coming September. However, since making this announcement, there has been minimal information given to students and teachers about that new course. 

The Killybegs deputy said it was not fair to students to be given information about new course changes while they are, at the same time, preparing for their Leaving Certificate.

“My question is this, minister - when are students and teachers going to be given sufficient information about the Leaving Cert reform and will you ensure that this is done in a timely manner, before the end of this school term?” he said.

The deputy raised the issue during questions on policy or legislation.

In his response, Minister Darragh O’Brien thanked Deputy Pringle and Laura for the question. The minister said he will relay those points to Minister Foley, for her to come back to Deputy Pringle with a full update on progress.