Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Paul McGrath

Question:

276 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if students with a special learning difficulty will be entitled to assistance to make up the disadvantage while being fully conscious of the need to preserve the integrity of the examination system; if he has considered the proposal to give suitably assessed students an additional 15 per cent time allocation to complete written examinations at junior and leaving certificate levels; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that additional time allocations are given to these students at third level institutions and at many State examinations in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13651/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

For some time I have been anxious to have a wide-ranging and comprehensive review of the special arrangements which are made at the examinations. Late last year I asked the expert advisory group on examinations, a group which I established to provide independent advice on the operation of examinations, to provide me with a discussion paper for publication and as a basis for a thorough review of our approach in this area. I received the group's report last month.

I have arranged for the publication and circulation of the discussion paper and recently in the national press the expert advisory group invited submissions from interested parties and individuals in relation to the issues identified in the discussion paper and on the operation of special arrangements generally. The discussion paper brings out very strongly the complexity of this issue. In particular, it highlights the tension within our examination system between the need for equal treatment and fairness on the one hand and on the other hand the desire to take account of human circumstances. The discussion paper also deals expressly with issues which arise in the case of students with specific learning difficulties, including the issue of extra time.

Previous reviews of the special arrangements schemes were conducted internally in my Department. I was particularly anxious that this review would be public and open in order to build a consensus on how best to respond to the needs of the individual student within the constraints imposed by both the format of some examinations and the need to maintain full confidence and credibility in our systems of national certification. I was also concerned that international practice would be considered in the review and the discussion paper deals with the UK position.

My aim is to have a further report in the autumn from the expert advisory group, after they have considered any submissions received, so that any changes can be in place for the examinations in 2000. I anticipate that the issue of additional time will arise in submissions and be fully considered in the process.