asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction has been felt at the method adopted in the setting of examination papers for the intermediate and leaving certificates by reason of the fact that in the majority of the papers set no option or choice of question is given; and, if so, whether he will consider reverting to the previous system whereby a choice of questions was given on all examination papers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Intermediate and Leaving Certificate Examination Papers.
I am not aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction with the method of setting the examination papers for the intermediate and leaving certificate examinations. In the great majority of the papers a choice of question is given. In some papers it has never been the practice to give a choice of question. Since the present certificate examination system was introduced in 1925 a more generous choice of questions has been given than was the case under the previous examination system of the Intermediate Education Board. I am satisfied that the present system is best suited to the needs of the country and do not propose to alter it.
The teachers and the pupils do not think that.