Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
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State Examinations.
392 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 re-sit their junior certificate examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11617/04]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware from my reply to Question No. 80 of 1 April 2004 that the guidelines on 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 authorities at Scoil Mhuire and has been informed that the person referred to by the Deputy successfully completed his junior certificate in 2003 and is no longer enrolled there. If he wishes to repeat a year he should first apply for enrolment in one of the schools referred to by the Deputy.
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 their advice and recommendation. The school authority is informed of this decision.
