asked the Minister for Education whether his attention has been directed to the recent pronouncement of a distinguished educationist to the effect that the publication of examination results encouraged undignified emulation and brought about over-caution in the selection of candidates for examination; whether he is aware that this view is shared by the great majority of people closely associated with the education system; and, if so, whether he will take steps to put an end to a practice that is detrimental to school-going children and harmful to the future of education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Publication of Examination Results.
My attention has not been drawn to the pronouncement in question, and I am not aware that the view mentioned is shared by the great majority, or even by a majority, of those closely associated with the education system. I am aware that there is a difference of opinion among school authorities regarding the desirability of publishing these examination results in their present form, but I am not satisfied that this publication produces the undesirable results mentioned, and I do not, therefore, feel called upon to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the question.