Vol. 520 No. 3
129 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of suggestions which were made by examiners of junior certificate and leaving certificate examinations, in regard to each subject and level of subject respectively for each of the last three years 1999, 1998 and 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15657/00]
130 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of suggestions which he received from examiners throughout the country in respect of the junior and leaving certificate examinations for the years 1999, 1998 and 1997, evaluated by him and actually implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15658/00]
131 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the approximate number of people involved in marking the junior certificate and leaving certificate examinations, respectively, in each of the years 1997, 1998 and 1999; if these examiners or correctors are asked to make suggestions as to the way in which the examination system can be improved, in those particular years, and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15659/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129, 130 and 131 together.
On average 6,500 people were appointed as examiners at the certificate examinations in each of the last three years. The process by which marking schemes and the approach to marking within each subject and level is determined is open to full participation by all examiners. Indeed a marking scheme is not finalised until the draft marking scheme has been considered by the team of examiners at a marking conference. There are no records of the detailed discussions or contributions by individual examiners at marking conferences. The marking schemes ultimately applied to the work of candidates are published.
