Unions and Education Minister agree the 'established' Leaving Cert must take place in June Meanwhile, the decision not to allow in-school learning for children with special needs has been called “devastating”. By Gráinne Ní Aodha Friday 8 Jan 2021, 2:45 PM Jan 8th 2021, 7:45 AM 44,269 Views 116 Comments Updated Jan 8th 2021, 2:45 PM EDUCATION MINISTER NORMA Foley has told teaching unions the government wants the Leaving Certificate to go ahead as planned. However, concerns were raised about exam candidates not getting back to school soon, and what would be Plan B for the Leaving Cert. The minister has said that the plan at the moment is for the exam-based Leaving Cert to go ahead this year.