A Dublin TD has slammed "knee-jerk" calls to cancel the Leaving Cert, saying those doing so should present a "credible alternative" to the exam.
The exams are set to start on July 29 with students who have been studying at home since March having to opportunity to return to class before then.
Labour Party Education Spokesperson Aodhan O Riordain said it was "hugely disappointing" that the exams were not mentioned in the roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions that was unveiled on Friday.
But he added that alternatives such as predictive grading that have been put forward so far are not viable as they would benefit wealthier families.
He said: "Schools who are worried about moneyed parents taking court cases will give better grades. It’s the way of the world.
"Such an alternative will disadvantage less well off students who are already struggling with the digital divide and lack of resources.
"Anyone out calling for the cancellation of the Leaving Cert should be putting forward a credible alternative entry mechanism for third level places.
"Such calls simply cause more mental stress and anguish for students, and add to the growing uncertainty about the Leaving Cert."
Fianna Fail Education Spokesperson Thomas Byrne yesterday added his voice to calls to cancel the state exams.
Deputy Byrne said it was "not tenable" to proceed with the exams.
He said: "While this is a challenging time for everyone right now, it’s unfair to underestimate the stress and anxiety that Leaving Cert students are feeling as the uncertainty about their exams and their futures continues.
"The inequities inherent in self learning online are well known.
"I believe the government cannot continue to adopt this wait and see approach with the Leaving Cert.
"It is becoming clearer with every week that passes that it is simply not tenable for it to proceed.
"The time has come to make the call to cancel the Leaving Cert and take the pressure off students, parents and their teachers."
