Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 2

Written Answers. - State Examinations.

Enda Kenny

Question:

222 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the French paper of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who sat the leaving certificate in 2002 could not be re-checked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21815/02]

The results of the leaving certificate were issued to schools on 14 August 2002. At the same time an information booklet on the appeals process was issued for the information of all candidates. This booklet outlined in detail the arrangements for the viewing of scripts and the appeal process, including the importance of applying by the closing date on 4 September 2002.

The Department has a limited timescale in which to process appeals taking into account that every candidate is first given an opportunity to view their scripts before deciding to proceed with their appeal. The Department is aware of the need to process the results as early as possible while at the same time allowing examiners sufficient time to carry out a thorough re-marking of each appeal applicant's work.

Our system is a world leader in terms of giving candidates an opportunity to view their scripts both before deciding whether or not to appeal, and after the re-marking process. Another comparable strength of our appeal system is that a full re-marking – as distinct from a check of mark addition – takes place. On balance we feel it is better to have a comprehensive quality appeal system that takes some time to execute rather than to prejudice quality by a less comprehensive speedier process. For this reason it is necessary to have precise arrangements for the execution of the process, and, in the interest of inter-candidate equity, to ensure that those arrangements are well publicised and are of general application.
In the circumstances, it is not possible to accept late appeal applications, as to do so would be to provide a service for a particular candidate that is not available to all other candidates.
Top
Share