Monday's Leaving & Junior practical exams deferred

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

"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 exams scheduled for today.

Not all schools were due to hold exams on this date.

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

It is understood that practical exams scheduled for tomorrow will go ahead as planned but the SEC will update schools by lunchtime tomorrow should there be any change to that position.

Meanwhile, Bus Éireann, has confirmed that school transport services are intended to resume this morning.

Bus Éireann is liaising with contractors through local school transport offices to ensure that any disruption to school transport services is limited and localised.

A Department of Education spokesperson said: "Parents are advised that if blockades continue to impact on road access in some parts of the country and challenges continue with fuel distribution, there are likely to be delays and potential service disruption experienced to some services.

"Bus Éireann will endeavour to advise families of any disruption to services as soon as such information is made available."