Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 5

Written Answers. - Junior Certificate Examination.

Enda Kenny

Question:

254 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the formal complaints, if any, he has received regarding the sound quality of the Irish comprehension tape in the junior certificate at Balla community school, Balla, County Mayo; if he has satisfied himself that the acoustics in the hall in question may have caused difficulties for a number of students; if he has examined the position; the plans, if any, he has to take this matter into consideration in the marking of the section involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15949/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The examinations branch of my Department has received correspondence from a parent of one candidate in relation to this matter.

The position is that my Department has a process in place to cope with any issues that arise in relation to the conduct of any of the 10,000 or so aural examination sessions. Initially this involves obtaining a detailed report from the examination superintendent. The process also provides an opportunity for the authorities of the school concerned to furnish any observations they wish to make. Ultimately the chief examiner for the subject concerned determines the action, if any, required to ensure that candidates are treated in an equitable and fair manner.

I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate it would be inappropriate for a Minister or any other party to become involved in relation to the marking of the work of any one candidate or group of candidates. The marking must be conducted in an impartial and fair manner by the chief examiner and the team of examiners.

I do however have a responsibility to ensure that an adequate process exists to cope with any difficulties that may arise during the examinations and as the process is in place it will, in the normal way, apply to the case referred to by the Deputy.