Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 5

Written Answers. - Examinations Results Queries.

Micheál Martin

Question:

89 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the number of queries and representations received by her in the last number of months as a result of the errors discovered in the 1995 leaving certificate art examination papers regarding concerns and grievances over State examination results and the marking procedures of these examinations in years previous to 1995; the general nature of these complaints; the way in which she intends to respond to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6854/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am informed that in the last number of months my Department has received 19 queries, including representations made to me, regarding results in State examinations prior to 1995.

The queries which are generally from candidates or their parents have, for the most part, expressed concern about individual results achieved in earlier years.

In addressing the specific concerns of correspondents my Department outlines both the nature of the appeal process and the fact that it provides for remarking by an experienced examiner. Candidates are also informed that examination scripts for years prior to 1995 are not generally available.

The position is that over 1.2 million scripts are received in my Department each year. Subsequent to the examination cycle these are disposed of as confidential waste on an annual basis.