- Minister for Education must take questions in the Dáil today.
- Clarity needed on impact of upgrading on college places.
- No briefing provided to Opposition spokespeople.
After the Taoiseach revealed to the Labour Leader Alan Kelly the discovery of two errors in the calculated grades system, Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called for a full explanation from the Minister for Education on what has happened, what this means for students, and she must come into the Dáil to take questions today.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“Later today we are due to hear from the Minister for Education on what has been uncovered about errors in the calculated grades process for the Leaving Cert. It is essential that the Minister for Education make a comprehensive statement in the Dáil and agree to take questions. It is not enough for there just to be a press conference. There must also be accountability.
“What has now emerged, following questioning of the Taoiseach by Labour Leader Alan Kelly about progress on the appeals process will cause huge concern for students and I appreciate students have to be informed, but we also need political transparency and a full explanation.
“The confirmation by the Taoiseach that two errors have been found in the calculated grades process is a bombshell for thousands of students. It appears this will result in the upgrading of students.
“If as reported by RTE these errors result in the upgrading of 10% of all students, then it will have a profound impact on the points awarded to students and their qualification for college places through the CAO process. We need clarity from the Minister on how this will be handled.
“This upgrading I understand will affect over 6,000 students, but we need further information on how this also impacts on the 12,000 students who have appealed their calculated grades.”