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Leaving Cert exam and “corresponding non-examination process” being planned by Dept of Education

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The Department of Education is drawing up new plans for a combination of a Leaving Cert exam - and what's being called a “corresponding non-examination process” - it has been announced this evening.

 

Following a series of intensive engagements on planning for the State examinations, including a further meeting held today (Friday), a new phase of planning for the State Examinations is now underway.

The Minister is inviting education stakeholders to participate in intensive, confidential bilateral discussions with Department officials to progress work on the two distinct processes for Leaving Certificate 2021.

Discussions on Junior Cycle examinations will continue in these engagements.

The Department has indicated to the education partners that any corresponding process would need to include the following features:

  • The State Examinations Commission running both the examinations and the corresponding process
  • Better provision for out-of-school learners in the corresponding process
  • Some cognisance of performance in “additional component” elements of examinations (coursework, orals, practicals, etc.)
  • Timely progression to higher and further education using either examinations or the outcome of any corresponding process

“To all examination students: I recognise that this is a difficult period for you,” Minister Foley said. “We are working hard to provide the best possible solutions, so you can progress as you wish and deserve.

“The work of the Advisory Subgroup, has enabled the students, parents, teachers, managerial bodies to come to a shared understanding of the challenges facing the State Examinations this year. This next stage of confidential bilateral meetings with each of the partners is necessary to bring the work of the Advisory Group to a conclusion and forge a pathway for the students of 2021. I look forward to this engagement being completed in as short timeframe as possible.”

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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