The Association of Secondary School Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) has said it has a "number of serious concerns" about elements of the Government's plans for the Leaving Cert exams.
In a statement tonight, ASTI welcomed in principle the announcement today that the exams will go ahead this year.
Education Minister Joe McHugh said the Leaving Cert would take place at the end of July or early August, with further clarification coming in early June.
ASTI President Deirdre Mac Donald said teachers "are wholly committed to supporting their students at this time, as has been evidenced by their enormous efforts in recent weeks".
The ASTI Standing Committee met remotely this evening and made an initial assessment of the Minister's announcement. Members will be consulted in the coming days through the ASTI’s representative structure.
The union said it has a "number of serious concerns" about elements of the Leaving Cert announcement and will be seeking clarifications in relation to these.
Earlier, the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) said it was "asking members to engage in this process as a whole-school response to meet the needs of our students".
TUI President Seamus Lahart said: "We recognise that Ireland is entering a crucial stage in the fight against this pandemic. Teachers are fully committed to supporting their students at this challenging time, as has been demonstrated in recent weeks."
In relation to the Minister’s request that teachers and schools facilitate a period of re-engagement by Leaving Certificate students in a school setting before the examinations, the TUI said it was "asking members to engage in this process as a whole-school response to meet the needs of our students.
"We also welcome the Minister’s commitment to comprehensive engagement with the unions to ensure that the process runs as effectively as possible and addresses matters of equity that have been brought into sharp relief by the current circumstances."
