Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 7

Written Answers. - Examination Candidates with Disabilities.

Austin Currie

Question:

109 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education if she will give special consideration to students sitting the junior and leaving certificate examination who suffer from dyslexia and scotopic sensitivity syndrome to enable them to have extra time to complete their papers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department has operated a scheme of special consideration for many years in the case of candidates who have disabilities. The scheme is intended for candidates who have learnt the knowledge to be examined but who would be impaired in communicating it to an examiner because of a physical or psychological disability.

I should say at the outset that special consideration does not mean more lenient marking. My Department's aim is to remove, as far as possible, the impact of the disability on the candidate's performance and enable the candidate to demonstrate his or her level of attainment. A range of facilities is available and these are tailored, as far as possible, to the needs of the individual candidates.

The position in regard to dyslexia and scotopic sensitivity syndrome is that all applications for special consideration based on the existence of these conditions are referred to the psychological service of my Department. Special consideration is approved where my Department's psychologists are satisfied that the condition is of such a degree that the candidate would be impaired in reading the questions or in writing the answers. It is also approved where the examiner would have difficulty in deciphering the candidate's handwriting.

A wide range of facilities is available in the case of a pupil who is impaired. A candidate who is unable to read, or read effectively, may be allowed the service of a person who will read the questions. A candidate who is unable to write, or write effectively, may be allowed the service of a scribe or the use of a mechanical aid such as a tape recorder, a typewriter or a word processor. Extra time may be allowed where the candidate is unable to make adequate use of the services or aids allowed.

The facility which is afforded the majority of candidates who are impaired by dyslexia or scotopic sensitivity syndrome is, however, simply to ensure that their answer books are marked by examiners who are experienced in marking the work of such candidates and in deciphering their handwriting. These examiners will ensure that full credit is given for all work done.

I should add that the existence of dyslexia or scotopic sensitivity syndrome does not automatically qualify a candidate for special consideration in examinations. Even though candidates may have a specific difficulty with reading, writing or spelling they may not require the provision of any special facilities provided that they can read the question papers of the required level and write legibly and intelligibly. Each individual case is considered on its merits.