Vol. 517 No. 3
286 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce an independent committee to adjudicate on applications for special consideration in the taking of exams; the criteria to be used; and if the procedures and procedures for appeals will be published. [9729/00]
I have introduced a totally independent group to determine the special arrangements for an examination candidate who is not fully satisfied with any aspect of the arrangements proposed by my Department.
Heretofore, appeals against decisions on applications for special arrangements were adjudicated by an appeals group of which the majority, including the chairperson, were external to the Department. From this year the entire appeal group is drawn from outside the Department.
The special arrangements appeals group is required to consider all cases in light of the principles set out in the report of the advisory group on the certificate examinations. That report has been published and circulated to schools and other interested parties. The document is also published on the Department's web site.
Applicants are informed of the appeals procedure when my Department informs them of the arrangements proposed.
