Ministers Foley, Naughton and Byrne extend good wishes to over 136,000 students beginning state examinations today

Minister for Education Norma Foley, Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton and Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht Thomas Byrne have extended good luck and best wishes to all candidates across Ireland beginning state examinations today (Wednesday 5 June).

A total of 136,160 students combined will sit this year’s Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Cycle examinations in 817 venues across the country, including post-primary schools and other locations which have been recognised by the State Examinations Commission to hold the certificate examinations.

Minister Foley said:

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to send very best wishes to all students beginning their Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Cycle exams today. It’s the culmination of many, many years of hard work from all of you. I know those years have been challenging, they’ve been daunting and they’ve been demanding, but you have seen it through right to the very end. So today and over the coming days, give it your very very best. Good luck to you all.”

Minister Naughton said:

“To all candidates across Ireland beginning exams today, but particularly to students with special educational needs, I would like to send you my very best wishes for everything to come over the days and weeks ahead. You have worked hard and gained significant knowledge and skills over the course of your studies. The exams are an opportunity to reflect all that you know and all that you have achieved. To your parents, teachers and school communities too, I would like to thank them for all that they have done to support you along the way to arriving at this momentous day today. They will be there for you now too as best they can if you would like to talk, or if there is anything you need. I hope that this period goes well for you all.”

Minister Byrne said:

“I would like to extend the best of luck and best wishes to all candidates beginning their examinations today and, in particular, to those who are preparing to sit the Physical Education exam. I hope that you will continue to take advantage of the skills, insights and healthy habits promoted by the study of Physical Education well into your life in future. I hope that things will go well for you over the coming days and that you can then look forward to the rest of the summer and all of the many opportunities that lie ahead.”