Vol. 518 No. 6
568 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is external moderation of the oral Irish part of the scrúdú cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge; the steps taken to ensure consistent marking between examiners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12640/00]
All aspects of the scrúdú cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge, including the setting and marking of papers, the aural test and the conducting of the oral examination, are the responsibility of the Department's inspectorate. Prior to the oral examination, a conference is held of the examiners, who are all experienced inspectors, in order to ensure uniform procedures and the application of agreed marking criteria during the tests. Each oral test is taped and the tapes are held in the offices of the Department of Education and Science. Candidates have the right to appeal their results and all appeals are considered in accordance with the established appeals procedure. A candidate who appeals the result of his/her oral test may be allowed to listen, in the presence of an officer of the Department, to the tape-recording made during the test.
