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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Jul 1975

Vol. 284 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leaving Certificate Mathematics Examination.

19.

asked the Minister for Education why a question (details supplied) appeared on the leaving certificate mathematics examination, 1975, in view of the fact that it is stated specifically in the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, 1974-75 (details supplied) that this part of the course was excluded from examination by departmental examiners.

Mr. R. Burke

The question on the leaving certificate examination paper in mathematics higher level, to which the Deputy refers, could not be regarded as being excluded by the programme provision to which he adverts.

I will have to accept that, but is the Minister aware that the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools, 1974-75, page 173, Part 8—an honours mathematics teacher asked me to raise this question—excludes this question and it should not have been included in the honours maths paper?

Mr. R. Burke

I can assure the Deputy that the representations made to him, that this matter has been excluded, will not stand examination. This is not so. I can communicate privately with the Deputy or with his constituent.

I would like that and perhaps he will then give a fuller explanation as to why it was not considered to be excluded.

Mr. R. Burke

I can give that information now if the Deputy wishes. The question on the examination Paper, Mathematics I, Higher Level, 1975, does not deal with the general treatment of pairs of straight lines. It deals rather with the product of two given linear equations, that is, equation of a straight line. This is not general treatment of pairs of straight lines, which is the matter referred to by the Deputy.

That is perfectly clear.

Mr. R. Burke

May I also add that the chief advising examiner boasts that the great majority of candidates so far examined are dealing competently with the question.

Do the two lines ever meet?

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