Students are in limbo amid the Covid-19 crisis.
The state exams could take place at the tail-end of the summer or in the autumn, as the government believes it's unlikely the restrictions will be lifted in time for their usual June start date, reports the Irish Times.
Students have been urged to continue with their studies as senior officials in the Department of Education consider a range of contingency options due to the coronavirus crisis.
A decision will be made this week on when exams will be held and former advisor to Education Minister Ruairi Quinn, John Walshe, says students need to know.
''There's absolutely no decision yet, the Sate Examinations Commission and Department of Education have been reviewing the various opt they in touch with health authorities and taking their advice'', he said.
''But students do need to know.''
“We are asking you to keep studying and to keep focused”.
On Wednesday, Liz Canavan from the Department of the Taoiseach said the Government was focused on running both State exams.
She said: “We know that students and their families need clarity on this and we know that you are feeling a lot of pressure.
“We are asking you to keep studying and to keep focused. We are working on providing you with answers in relation to the exams as soon as possible. Contingency plans are under consideration and all decisions will be based on public health advice and what happens in relation to current restrictions.”
