Varadkar promises parents ‘clear message’ on schools in coming days

Tánaiste says Nphet advocated a ‘very gradual approach’ to children returning to the classroom

Leo Varadkar told the opposition he could not offer any certainty on dates but said the plan was for a phased re-opening of schools. Picture: Getty

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar had a snappy phrase to describe what parents and students has asked for in the redesigned Leaving Cert 2021: “clarity, choice and some compassion”.

There has been a generally positive reaction to the new “hybrid” Leaving Cert format unveiled by Minister for Education Norma Foley.

Students will have a choice to opt for calculated grades on a subject-by-subject basis, to sit the written Leaving Cert exam in June, or to do both. ...