Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Jun 1994

Vol. 443 No. 7

Written Answers. - Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome Sufferers.

Tony Gregory

Question:

201 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education if her Department recognises scotopic sensitivity syndrome as an educational disability; if so, if students suffering from this syndrome are assessed by a properly qualified person; the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 was refused any special consideration in his leaving certificate examination; and her policy on all matters pertaining to this matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am advised that at present it is not possible to reach a firm conclusion on the existence of scotopic sensitivity syndrome as a condition. It has generally been described in terms which are not very precise and as a set of symptoms which, in some cases, appears to respond to a certain treatment, including the provision of tinted lenses. The fact that a set of symptoms can be dealt with in a certain way, in the case of some people, does not mean that a syndrome exists.

In recent years a small number of applications for special consideration in examinations, in which scotopic sensitivity syndrome has been cited, have been made to my Department. All the applications were made on the grounds that the candidates were impaired by a specific learning difficulty. It was suggested that the candidates' specific learning difficulties resulted from scotopic sensitivity syndrome.

All applications for special consideration based on the existence of a specific learning difficulty 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.

In the particular instance adverted to, an application for special consideration on the grounds of a specific learning difficulty was made to my Department on 25 November 1993 by the candidate's school. The application was accompanied by samples of the candidate's written work, a psychological assessment prepared by the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities, and a report from the Irlen Institute stating that the candidate had been diagnosed as having the visual dysfunction of scotopic sensitivity and recommending that he wear tinted lenses.

The application was referred to my Department's Psychological Service for consideration. Having evaluated the reports and the samples of the written work, the psychologist concluded that a regular examiner would have no difficulty in reading the applicant's work and expressed the opinion that the candidate had no need of special consideration.

I should explain that my Department's scheme of special consideration 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. 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.

A wide range of facilities is available in the case of a pupil who is impaired. A candidate who is unable to read, or is effectively unable to read, may be allowed the service of a person who will read the questions. A candidate who is unable to write, or is effectively unable to write, 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 a specific learning difficulty is, however, simply to ensure that their answerbooks 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.

As already stated, special consideration often consists of simply referring a candidate's scripts to an examiner who is used to deciphering poor handwriting. As there was no need even for this, in the opinion of my Department's psychologists, the school was informed on 27 April that my Department was not prepared to grant special consideration in respect of this candidate.

I should add that the existence of a specific learning difficulty 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.