asked the Minister for Education the reason some candidates for the 1986 oral Irish examinations have had their examinations taped; whether this taping is justified on educational and ethical grounds; whether students who have agreed to be so taped will receive special treatment when the oral examinations are marked and the basis on which this treatment will be granted; whether this situation will be extended to other oral examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Oral Irish Test.
4.
The Deputy would appear to be misinformed, as no candidates at the 1986 leaving certificate oral Irish tests had their responses taped.
As regards other oral examinations, it is intended to use tape recording in the oral tests in modern continental languages which are being introduced as part of the leaving certificate examination for the first time this year. This taping is being done in the interest of ensuring uniformity in the marking of those tests. The question of according special treatment to any candidate does not arise.
The Minister of State has already stated that taping will be done in relation to certain oral tests. Could he inform the House if the applicants for these tests have been fully informed of the intention to proceed with taping and if so far there have been any objections to that procedure?
This matter has been taken up with the union concerned. I am quite sure that school principals have informed the students of the regulations, specifically with regard to modern continental languages. No taping has occurred with regard to the oral Irish examinations for this year.
If it is not necessary in relation to oral Irish, could the Minister inform the House why the Department deem it appropriate or necessary, in the interests of uniformity, in relation to the other oral tests?
The reason is that the Department have at their disposal a great number of competent inspectors with regard to oral Irish and the present system of monitoring on behalf of students has proved to be reasonably adequate. With regard to modern continental languages, we do not have the same number of inspectors who could carry out competent testing and monitoring in this area. Taping has produced a more uniform method of marking tests in that regard.
Ceist 5.
A final question. The Minister of State mentioned that the process intended had been brought to the attention of the union. What was the union's response in relation to that?
The Teacher's Union of Ireland qualified their agreement as follows:
Should the tests proceed in the form proposed by the Department, the Union state that their acceptance of the situation must be without prejudice to discussions on alternative methods to be held in September.
The Department have no objection to meeting with the union in September.
Question No. 5 postponed.