Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 4

Written Answers. - State Examinations.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

479 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in having leaving certificate papers rechecked; the action he will take to have this carried out as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22882/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Every effort is made by my Department to ensure that the results of rechecks are made available as quickly as possible to candidates. In recent years, in the interests of openness and transparency, I have arranged for candidates to have access to their marked examination scripts. As a result, candidates are in a position to inform themselves regarding the accuracy of the marking and, in the light of this, make an informed decision regarding the need to appeal. To provide time for this very worthwhile and innovative development, the closing date for appeal applications in 2001 was Wednesday, 5 September. The appeal process involves a full remarking of the candidate's work and it is necessary to provide examiners with adequate time to engage in that task. My Department issued the outcome of appeals to schools and the central applications office on 4 October.

I recognise the desirability of the earliest possible notification of the outcome of the appeals process for candidates. My Department will con tinue to work to ensure that the outcome of appeals is available at the earliest possible date having regard to the clear desirability of providing candidates with an opportunity to view their scripts and the requirements of the remarking process itself.