asked the Minister for Education if he will state (1) how many of the boys who sat for the Intermediate Examination in both 1942 and 1943, and who took Greek as a subject in both years, received lower marks for Greek in 1943 than in 1942; (2) how many of the boys who sat for the Intermediate Examination in both 1942 and 1943 and who took Science as a subject in both years, received lower marks for Science, in 1943 than in 1942.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marking of Intermediate Examination Papers.
The answer to part (1) of the question is eight and to part (2) 135.
Does the Minister agree that, having regard to the figures which he has now given, there appears to be undue discrimination so far as the subject of Greek is concerned as against subjects like science and mathematics? Why should that be so, particularly as it results in the penalisation of schools like the Christian Brothers' schools that prepare boys for scholarships?
I do not agree that there is any discrimination. The position is that the boys who take Greek are very often specially selected boys, of exceptional talent. If the Deputy wishes to look up their marks, generally he will find that their special merit is not confined to Greek, that they do well in the other subjects which they take, as a rule.
I think the figures speak for themselves.