Bernard Allen
Question:72 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education if he proposes to give any extension of time concessions to handicapped persons taking the group and leaving certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Examination Concessions for Handicapped Persons.
My Department have for many years operated a scheme of special consideration for handicapped students who wish to take the certificate examinations. Under the terms of the scheme a wide range of special facilities are available to help such candidates at examination time. With regard to extra time, the position is that extra time has, for many years, been allowed in the case of visually impaired candidates in order to compensate for their need to use Braille and/or low vision aids. The extra time involved, ten minutes per hour, is related to the scheduled duration of the subject taken.
The arrangements for special consideration, including the provision of extra time, are currently under review in my Department. In the meantime, it has been decided that extra time should be allowed to candidates whose writing speed is hampered by a physical disability and who would not be in a position to make adequate use of aids such as typewriters, word processors or tape recorders. Additional time of ten minutes per hour will be allowed to such candidates, as in the case of the visually impaired.