Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle practical exams deferred

Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle practical examinations which were due to take place tomorrow have been deferred due to disruptions caused by this week's fuel protests.

A Department of Education and Youth spokesperson said: "Due to ongoing disruptions, the State Examinations Commission has deferred the practical examinations scheduled for Monday, 13 April only for Leaving Certificate Music and Junior Cycle Home Economics."

"This decision was made because, at this time, the SEC cannot be sure that all examiners and students will be able to travel to their schools. It also reflects a commitment to providing clarity and certainty for young people at an important time in their education."

The deferral only applies to practical examinations scheduled for tomorrow. Not all schools were due to hold exams on this date.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) will put alternative arrangements in place for affected students and will contact impacted schools directly with further details.

It's understood that practical examinations scheduled for Tuesday will go ahead as planned but the SEC will update schools by lunchtime on Monday should there be any change to that position.