asked the Minister for Education the number of examination papers which were stolen yesterday; the examination papers which they were; the way in which the theft came about; the steps, if any, she proposed to take to preserve the integrity of the public examinations, for the protection of all those students presently sitting the intermediate and leaving certificate examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Private Notice Question. - Missing Examination Papers.
The subjects and the numbers of the examination papers which were discovered to be missing from this school are as follows:
|
No. of Copies |
|
|
Leaving Certificate |
|
|
Irish, Ordinary Level Paper I |
7 |
|
Irish, Ordinary Level, Paper II |
1 |
|
Irish, Higher Level, Paper I |
1 |
|
Irish, Higher Level, Paper II |
1 |
|
Intermediate Certificate |
|
|
Irish, Lower Course |
4 |
|
Irish, Higher Course, Paper I |
2 |
|
Irish, Higher Course, Paper II |
2 |
|
French Alternative |
1 |
|
Science A |
2 |
|
Commerce Paper I |
1 |
|
Commerce Paper II |
1 |
|
Mechanical Drawing |
1 |
The papers were kept in locked boxes in a strong room in the school. The way in which the removal of the papers came about is under investigation at present by the Garda. I am taking all steps necessary to preserve the integrity of the public examinations and to ensure that no candidate is at any advantage or disadvantage because of this occurrence.
I am sure the Minister realises that this question has been put down with considerable concern for the situation which now exists, in that there are examination papers at large for examinations which have not been held. There is a possibility, as the Minister is well aware, that these examination papers might be at present being photocopied and distributed across the country. From the Minister's answer I can see the papers have not been recovered. What steps has the Minister taken to preserve the integrity of the examinations? Will she now announce alternative dates for these examinations without delay?
Within the parameters set for me I do not wish to prejudice the Garda inquiries which are at present under way and which are extremely active. I am confident the inquiries will reveal matters which will offset the Deputy's fears. These inquiries are at present nearing conclusion. I cannot anticipate them, but we expect that the inquiries will yield fruit within a matter of hours.
In answer to a further point raised by the Deputy, I am confident that it will not be necessary to ask candidates to resit any of the papers which they have done. I do not anticipate that it will be necessary for re-examinations to be held in the subjects affected, nor do I expect they will have to be postponed. If any changes become necessary in the published timetable of the examinations an announcement will be made in good time. In the meantime, I suggest to the Deputy, to the House and to the public that candidates should get on with their examinations confident that the integrity of the examinations will be upheld. I give that assurance to this House with confidence but I do not want to be premature about the Garda investigation on which, on coming into the House, I have had up-to-date information. I am very confident that the results of their investigation will prove very fruitful.
Perhaps a concluding supplementary from the Deputy, please.
I will try, but the answer I received was very vague and it would be very difficult to conclude on that note. Will the Minister be more specific? If it is discovered that in regard to the leaving certificate Irish papers — they are the ones that concern us most — there is a possibility that the higher level and lower level papers were missing, could have been photocopied and distributed, will the Minister announce very shortly a new paper and a new date for that examination?
If that becomes necessary I will do so but I am confident that it will not be necessary, I should like to take this opportunity to express to the Deputies concerned the hope that they will be sensitive and disciplined in their approach to this matter bearing in mind the overriding premise that pupils and parents should be reassured.
Why were the Department not disciplined in their approach to this matter?
This occurrence took place in one school in County Clare where the papers were under the authority of the school management. It is important to make it clear that this occurred in one school. I should like to assure all Members representing as they do the electorate, who have an interest in the examinations that I am confident the investigation which is nearing completion will show that the measures suggested by the Deputy will not be necessary. However, should they be necessary I will be willing to return to the House to discuss the matter.
Has the Minister given instructions that all the examination papers which have been distributed by the Department should be put under 24 hour guard from now on?
The instruction given by my Department will ensure that stringent methods of guarding the examination papers will be undertaken. I should like to emphasise again that the papers under discussion were held in a strong room in one school in County Clare and were under the control of the school authorities.
That did not work.
The Deputy should permit me to reply to her question. I should like to assure the House that I am confident the Garda investigation will prove the competence and integrity of the examination section of the Department.
I must move on now to the Order of Business.