asked the Minister for Education the number of people who failed (a) the intermediate certificate and (b) the leaving certificate examination because they failed Irish.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Examination Failures in Irish.
61.
The number of candidates who this year failed (a) the intermediate certificate examination and (b) the leaving certificate examination because of failure in Irish was (a) 93 and (b) 373, respectively.
How does that compare with last year?
I do not know.
Is it not a fact that the standard is being reduced and that is why so many are getting through?
The standard of the Irish?
Yes.
The Deputy is misinformed.
What would be the percentage of failures?
The total number of candidates at the intermediate examination was 19,988 and the total number at the leaving certificate was 11,760.
They are all getting a second chance?
In the leaving certificate.
Could the Minister say if this is a high percentage of failures?
A very small percentage.
Based on previous experience?
It is roughly comparable with the previous year, except for the correction that would be made because of the second chance. That affects the overall result in the leaving certificate.
It includes only those who failed in Irish, not those who failed in other subjects?
No.