Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
67. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider providing modern digital recording devices for use during State oral language exams to replace the cassette tape recorder that is currently in use. [43102/12]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. They have provided me with the following information on this matter.
There are a wide range of oral tests. The tests in each language are recorded by examiners onto cassette tapes supplied by the State Examinations Commission. However, the SEC does not supply examiners with the tape recording equipment; this is provided by schools.
The SEC must be mindful of the availability in schools of recording equipment as examiners must be provided with a recording device for the duration of their assignment in the school. The use of cassette tape for the recording of the oral tests provides a portable and reliable recording medium which is widely available in schools and which is easy to operate.
The SEC recognises that digital recording equipment has become more widely available and less expensive in recent years than it was in the past. The SEC will be reviewing the options in this regard in the future, subject to a clear identification of need and resource considerations. In the interim, the State Examinations Commission assures me that there is no diminution in quality or the proper administration of the Leaving Certificate examinations through the ongoing use of cassette tapes for the recording of the oral tests.
