Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004
80 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can repeat second and third year to enable them to re-sit their junior certificate examinations at Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10370/04]
View answerThe guidelines with regard to the repeat of a year at post-primary level are outlined in circular M2/95. The standard maximum period of second level education is six years. Except in very exceptional circumstances, a pupil will not be permitted to repeat more than one year of the post-primary cycle prior to first sitting the leaving certificate examination. In certain instances, delegated authority within defined limits has been given to schools to permit students to repeat a year. An official from my Department has been in contact with the school authority and has been informed that the person referred to by the Deputy successfully completed the junior certificate in 2003 and is no longer enrolled in Scoil Mhuire. Should the person need to repeat a year, he must first apply to the school to re-enrol.
Exceptional cases are examined on an individual basis, whereby the school authorities submit a written request in relation to the particular pupil, together with supporting documentation. The case is then referred to my Department's inspectorate for its advice and recommendation. The school authority is informed of this decision.
