Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 6

Written Answers. - Junior Certificate Examination.

Michael Bell

Question:

85 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education if she will review the decision in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth whose parents have been advised that he may be refused the opportunity to do his junior certificate by tape; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the college and teaching staff are confident that he will succeed if he is given this opportunity but will not succeed if the examination is done by the written method as this pupil has suffered from learning disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5239/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department has for many years made special arrangements in the certificate examinations for candidates who would have difficulty in communicating what they know to an examiner because of a physical disability, including visual and hearing impairments, or a specific learning difficulty.

In the case of the student referred to by the Deputy, an application for special arrangements on the grounds of a specific learning difficulty was made to my Department in connection with the 1996 junior certificate examination. This application was considered by my Department's psychological service and, on the facts of the case, special arrangements were refused.

I would draw the attention of the Deputy to the fact that it is open to the school to appeal this decision to an independent appeals committee. If the school wishes to appeal, an application should be made without delay through the examinations branch of my Department.