Students Across Ireland Begin Junior And Leaving Cert Exams

Students undertaking their Junior and Leaving Cert examinations have been sent best wishes by the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, and the Minister of State for Training and Skills, John Halligan.

Commending the efforts of all students, Minister Bruton said: "I send every best wish to all students who are sitting Junior and Leaving Certificate exams from today.

"There is great value in everything that students have achieved in the classroom and in their exam preparations, and I hope that they are successful in demonstrating that over the coming weeks."

The Minister also paid tribute to the dedication of principals and teachers who have prepared and guided the students during their learning cycle.

The Minister added: "While recognising that these exams are important, I hope that students remember that there are many opportunities open to them following on from the Leaving Certificate. As well as routes to further and higher education there are alternative pathways to rewarding careers.

"For example, work continues on developing high quality apprenticeships in a number of sectors and the Programme for Government commits to double the number of apprenticeships by 2020. These apprenticeships offer an alternative pathway to a career in expanding areas of the economy."

Acknowledging the important role of families and friends, Minister Halligan, said: "To the families and friends who have supported students to get to this day I would like to say thank you. This can be a stressful time and your continued support is so important over the next few weeks."

The Ministers also acknowledged the role of the State Exams Commission (SEC) which is responsible for the significant logistical operation of the State exams, involving over 120,000 students, more than four million exam papers and over 5,000 exam centres.

(MH)