Taoiseach Micheál Martin has told the Dáil that the 3rd level education sector might not be able to provide as many places for new entrants this September, as it did in 2021 and 2020.
He said that because the number of places "may not be as high" for this year's Leaving Cert students, it is complicating considerations on whether to hold a hybrid exam.
The Taoiseach he said he accepts and understands "the need for clarity and certainty" given the "... worry, anxiety and stress" that the students are going through.
However, he contended that "significant adjustments" to the Leaving Cert process have been made due to the disruption students have already experienced, including allowing for greater choice while retaining the "familiar structure" of the exam.