Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 3

Written Answers. - State Examinations.

David Stanton

Question:

93 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the controversy surrounding the 2002 leaving certificate biology examination; the action he intends to take on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14046/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I am aware that concerns have been expressed about aspects of the biology paper and, in accordance with normal procedures, any concerns expressed to my Department are being forwarded to the chief examiner. Our examination system is acknowledged to be one of the most open, transparent and pro-candidate national examination systems in the world. A cornerstone of this openness and transparency is precisely those mechanisms that are in place to take on board genuine concerns that interested parties, including schools and students, might have in relation to the examinations.

Over and above any individual observations submitted, as a matter of course, subject associations and the teacher unions regularly each year provide observations on question paper content to the Department in advance of each marking conference. All observations received in relation to a subject are made available to the chief examiner for consideration in the context of preparing the marking scheme for that subject. The marking scheme is developed at the marking conference by the chief examiner and the team of examiners who are drawn from teachers of the subject. In the case of biology, experienced teachers acting as examiners are able to input their own considered views into the formulation of the marking scheme.

As it has been the practice for a number of years to publish the detailed marking schemes used in the marking process, all interested parties will be able to satisfy themselves in relation to the marking process that applies in the case of biology this year. Furthermore any candidate who chooses to view their marked script will have access to the marking scheme and will be able to see at first hand precisely how the finalised marking scheme applied in their own case. I strongly believe it would be utterly inappropriate for me or indeed any Minister or politician to interfere in the work of the chief examiner and the team of examiners who are the experienced practitioners as they follow these long-established practices.