Vol. 487 No. 3
293 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the staffing ratio in the examinations' branch in Ireland is considerably below international practice; the proposals, if any, he has to resolve the staffing problems; and the steps, if any, he plans to take to prevent disruption to oral examinations in March 1998. [3815/98]
Staffing levels overall in my Department are determined within Government policy. Resources and allocations within areas are kept under constant review within resources and this Government policy.
The work of the examination branch is a yearly cycle which rises to a peak in the summer months. The peak period is from the start of the certificate examinations in June to the issue of the junior certificate results in September. The resources employed in managing this pattern comprise a core permanent staffing complement augmented by temporary employees and overtime working. In so far as I have knowledge of the administration of national terminal examinations in other countries I understand that such examinations are managed with a similar mix of staffing resources.
With regard to the organisation of the oral examinations a number of processes are involved including the appointment of examiners, arranging marking conferences and providing examiners with material to enable them to conduct the tests.
Industrial action is being taken by members of the Public Service Executive Union which is affecting overtime working among other issues. This has impacted upon some of the preparatory processes required to hold the oral examinations.
I am very conscious of the need to resolve the industrial relations problems and hope that a satisfactory outcome will be arrived at shortly.
