There is a well established procedure whereby any concerns held by interested parties in relation to the content of any of the question papers at the certificate examinations are considered as part of the process of formulating the marking scheme for that subject.
The chief examiner, the chief advising examiner and advising examiners meet at a preliminary marking conference to prepare a draft marking scheme and have available to them for consideration any correspondence received in relation to the content of the question paper.
The marking scheme is finalised at the marking conference where teachers of the subject appointed as examiners can input to the process. The finalisation of a marking scheme is an inclusive and comprehensive process intended to ensure fair and consistent treatment of all candidates.
I am sure the Deputy will agree that it would be inappropriate for any Minister to become involved in the detailed work of the professional team engaged in the marking process which determines the grades awarded to individual candidates.
