Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

452 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision to annotate the certificates of students with specific learning difficulties who avail of arrangements, such as answering on tape or availing of the services of a reader, since these do not amount to a substantial alteration of the examination, within the meaning of the expert advisory group; and his views on whether it is desirable to reduce to an absolute minimum the circumstances where a different certificate is issued to any student. [18075/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The objective of making our examination system more inclusive and more responsive to students with special needs is at the core of the report of the expert advisory group.

As Minister I do not regard it as acceptable that a special needs student should be penalised by being required to undergo assessment in an element of an examination which is beyond his or her physical capacity. For example the aural component of a language examination is clearly problematical for a deaf candidate and exemption from that component should therefore be possible in the case of such students.

This year the concept of modification of the national standard assessment was introduced in order to accommodate the requirements of special needs students. Where this greater flexibility and responsiveness means that an element of the examination is not assessed then, as with all matters relating to the certificate examinations, this must occur openly and transparently.

Decisions in relation to special arrangements are taken having regard to the circumstances of each individual case. My Department takes these decisions in the first instance within a framework of principles set out by the expert advisory group. I should stress that I have also ensured the availability of an independent appeal forum where a student is aggrieved with any aspect of my Department's decision.