Vol. 542 No. 2
495 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a copy of the report commissioned by Limerick Institute of Technology regarding alleged breaches of security related to examination papers; if so when he received this report; if he has considered the findings of this report; if he has been in communication with the director and governing body regarding the contents of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23698/01]
496 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science his views regarding the integrity of the examination system in third level colleges arising from a report (details supplied); and the action he proposes to take to safeguard the integrity of qualifications awarded by third level colleges in view of this report. [23699/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 496 together.
The management of the institute provided my Department with a copy of the report in question last July. Under the terms of the Regional Technical College Acts matters relating to examinations are a statutory function of the management and governing bodies of the institutes of technology. In the light of the statutory position the matter in question falls to be dealt with in the first instance by the institute. This position has been reiterated in previous responses to parliamentary questions and in communications with the institute.
The report in question is an inquiry into specific breaches of integrity of the examinations in one institute of technology and it has not raised questions regarding the integrity of third level examinations generally. It is a matter for each third level institution to satisfy itself as to the integrity of its examination systems.
