asked the Minister for Education if he will consider amending the regulation regarding the lower age limit requirement for candidates at the intermediate certificate examination.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Intermediate Certificate Examination.
33.
Mr. R. Burke
The question of amending the regulation regarding the age limit laid down for admission to the intermediate certificate examination is at present under consideration.
How soon will the people who are looking into this be able to report back? How soon will the Minister be able to tell us the result of this?
Mr. R. Burke
As soon as possible.
Could the Minister say when he can make this decision in view of the fact that some students wishing to take part in this examination this year will be denied that?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy, perhaps, is not aware that I made a decision in regard to a door which was closed in regard to both the leaving certificate and the intermediate certificate pupils in the very recent past. I made a change in respect of the leaving certificate but was not prepared at that stage to make a change in respect of the intermediate certificate. That will become part of a total discussion of the situation with the interests involved. It will not affect this year's certificate examination.
Will the Minister accept views in the next few weeks?
Mr. R. Burke
I would be prepared to receive views at any time.