Statement from the Department of Education - Thursday 11 February

The Department of Education is both taken aback and disappointed at the ASTI's decision to withdraw from talks regarding the Leaving Certificate in 2021. At no stage of discussions today did the ASTI indicate its intention to take this action.

The Minister and her officials will continue to engage with all education representative bodies, including the teacher unions, to provide Leaving Certificate examinations and a corresponding measure for examination students.

Fairness and certainty for the class of 2021 is at the centre of what we want to achieve in these engagements. We are happy to engage with all concerned to achieve this objective.

ENDS