asked the Minister for Education the reasons why in the Leaving Certificate Honours History paper the candidates were asked "What reasons would you give for the failure of Parnell as a political leader?" rather than some question such as "What reasons would you give for the fall of Parnell from political leadership?"; what steps are being taken in his Department to prevent a repetition of questions which clearly reflect the personal historical prejudice of the examiner; and if he will ensure that no candidate is penalised for expressing a point of view contrary to that of the examiner in any such question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leaving Certificate History Paper.
34.
I feel that in relation to what is assumed in the Deputy's question there is a certain misapprehension.
I can assure him that the Department regards it as inherent in the setting of examination papers that their contents do not necessarily indicate either the Department's views or those of the particular examiner. The questions are set purely to test the knowledge and reasoning power of the candidate.
That being so, I can give the Deputy the fullest assurance that the views of any candidate, either pro or con, if based on the relevant facts and on reasoning, will receive full credit.