# New Exam Accommodations and Policy Updates Announced by Irish Cabinet Government introduces bereavement flexibility for students and updates on housing, climate, and trade. - **Source:** [The Irish Times – Politics](https://www.irishtimes.com/politics) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3051b541-c187-4c0d-9b36-ea533768c722 ## Expanded Exam Support Measures Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton is introducing new measures to the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations scheme for 2027. These updates aim to remove barriers for students with disabilities or medical conditions. The initiative maintains academic standards while ensuring that all candidates have equitable access to the state examination process. ## Bereavement and Timekeeping Assistance New supports include dedicated timekeeping guidance to help students manage their exam pace effectively. Additionally, students experiencing the loss of an immediate family member will gain greater flexibility. This includes access to a deferred examinations scheme, allowing affected students to sit specially developed papers at a later date than originally scheduled. ## Visual Impairment Pilot Program The government is launching a pilot program for modified large-print exam papers. This initiative targets specific subjects within the Junior and Leaving Certificate curricula to assist students with visual impairments. By providing these specialized materials, the Department of Education seeks to improve accessibility and inclusivity during the high-stakes state examination period. ## Housing Support Growth Trends Minister for Housing James Browne reported a 57 percent increase in starter home supports during the first half of 2026. Nearly 4,700 supports were delivered, covering purchase schemes, cost rental homes, and vacant property refurbishment grants. This data reflects a significant rise in government assistance compared to the same period in 2025. ## Consumer Protection and AI Regulation The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is developing a strategy for 2027 to 2029. Key priorities include imposing higher fines for consumer law breaches and implementing measures to combat artificial intelligence scams. The plan specifically targets misleading bots, aiming to protect consumers from emerging digital threats in the evolving technological landscape. ## International Trade and Agriculture Taoiseach Micheál Martin will lead a Team Ireland trade mission to India to strengthen economic engagement with the world's sixth-largest economy. Simultaneously, Minister Martin Heydon is negotiating the next EU Common Agricultural Policy. A partial general agreement has been reached, focusing on generational renewal and specific provisions for young farmers across Europe. ## Childcare Workforce Qualification Progress Minister for Children Norma Foley provided an update on the Nurturing Skills workforce plan. Data shows a substantial increase in qualification levels among early years educators. The proportion of staff holding a relevant degree rose from 12 percent in 2012 to 39 percent in 2025, indicating professional growth within the childcare sector. ## Climate Action Plan Delays Minister Darragh O’Brien is seeking approval for the 2026 Climate Action Plan draft. The document must undergo environmental assessment screening before final government approval. Officials expect the process to conclude and the plan to be published before the end of the year, marking a critical step in national environmental policy development. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/11/10/bereavement-flexibility-for-second-level-students-to-be-in-place-for-2027-state-exams/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._