asked the Minister for Education the number of applications she has received and granted for a repeat year in the following sectors (a) secondary (b) community and comprehensive and (c) vocational; and if the same procedure is required for applications to her Department in each of these sectors.
Written Answers. - Repeat Year Students.
234.
In accordance with the terms of Circular M85/85 which issued from the Department of Education in 1985 the junior cycle was to be of three years' duration and the Leaving Certificate course of two years' duration in all post-primary schools. In accordance with the terms of Circular M8/88 which issued a pupil may not repeat any year of the post-primary course, except with the prior approval of my Department. All such applications should be in writing and be forwarded through the principal of the school concerned. These procedures apply to all categories of post-primary schools.
A total of 1,288 such applications have been received to date in the current school year. So far 80 per cent of those processed have been granted. Each application is examined on its merits regardless of the category of school involved. Numbers are not readily available in respect of any particular school category.