Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 5

Written Answers. - Specific Learning Difficulties.

Tony Gregory

Question:

164 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the different criteria used at junior and leaving certificate examinations when assessing a student for special consideration arising from a learning disability, for example, dyslexia; the reason the same criteria are not used for both exams; the reason it is left to an individual examiner at leaving certificate level to assess whether a student has a learning disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20606/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The criteria which apply when assessing a candidate for special arrangements on the grounds of a specific learning difficulty are identical for both the junior and leaving certificate examinations.

Examiners have no function in assessing candidates who may have a learning difficulty. Assessment of the special examination arrangements required by a candidate, where appropriate, is carried out by the psychological service of my Department. Candidates who are not satisfied with the arrangements proposed by the Department have access to a special arrangements appeal committee.

Where a special arrangement on the grounds of a specific learning difficulty has been granted by the Department, the role of the examiner is to ensure that the work of the candidate involved is marked reliably in accordance with the marking scheme concerned so as to ensure that full credit is given for all work done.