asked the Minister for Education when computerisation will be introduced into the Examinations Branch of the Department of Education; and the effects and implications of such an introduction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Examinations Branch Computerisation.
20.
I have set up a steering committee to carry out a study on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of computerising the certificate examinations. The committee have appointed a project team to carry out the necessary preparatory analysis.
I intend that there will be no delay in computerising the examinations, but pending the receipt of the steering committee's report I cannot give an exact date for the introduction of computerisation or say precisely what form it will take.
Does the Minister think that computerisation will be introduced, even in a small way, for the compilation of results of the 1984 examinations?
I do not think we will have proceeded that far by then.
Does the Minister expect that the results for 1985 will be computerised?
I have said I do not expect the matter to be resolved in 1984. further than that I cannot go. A group of people are advising me specifically and I would not attempt to pre-empt their findings and analyses.
Does the Minister agree it is desirable that computerisation would be brought in soon so that results will be obtained fairly easily? Does she accept that computerisation would have implications in regard to staffing arrangements in the Athlone Section of the Department of Education?
I cannot be more specific about the arrangements that will be required because a decision has not been made. I have said frequently that I think there should be computerisation.
What are the difficulties about introducing computerisation of the results? What has caused the Minister and her officials to defer its introduction?
Computerisation of any large organisation is a complex issue which must be done by experts. I am awaiting the experts' opinion.
Are not the resources available for the compilation of results by computer? Since the departmental officials are well aware of the implications of preparing results I cannot understand what the Minister was referring to when she said she needs a year or perhaps two years. Would she clarify that? Intermediate and leaving certificate students have to wait months for results. I am not blaming the Minister for that but I am asking her to direct her attention to the urgency of it.
It has been directed.