Foley defends reform of Leaving Cert Irish and English 

Education Minister Norma Foley said that the Leaving Certificate plans were based on feedback from parents and students.

Education Minister Norma Foley has defended plans to hold two senior cycle exams a year earlier than usual, after internal documents showed concern among the State Examinations Commission with the revised timeline.

Paper 1 of both the English and Irish written exams are to be held at the end of fifth year, while the remaining Leaving Certificate exams are to be held at the end of sixth year as usual, from September next year.