Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 6

Written Answers. - Leaving and Intermediate Certificates.

Paul McGrath

Question:

237 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education the reason misleading information was provided in her replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 264 and 265 of 14 November, 1989 regarding the issuing of leaving and intermediate certificates; when it is proposed to issue the certificates; and the steps which are being taken to ensure that no further delay occurs.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I reject the Deputy's allegation that the information I supplied on 14 November was misleading. The information which was given by my Department's examinations branch was provided in good faith and based on the circumstances at the time.

It has not been possible to meet the target date given in that reply for the completion and issue of all outstanding certificates. Since mid-December priority has had to be given to the preparations for the 1990 examinations. However, work will continue on the preparation of the outstanding certificates as opportunity permits with a view to having them issued to schools at the earliest possible date.

Since my reply of 14 November 1989 a further 60,000 certificates approximately have issued from the Department.