State Examinations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Questions (252)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

252. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether it is acceptable to provide scribes and readers for students who need them for State exams at junior and leaving certificate years but not for Christmas and summer exams in 1st, 2nd and 5th year; his views on whether the failure to provide such services outside of State exams disadvantages those who do not qualify for any other assistance such as a special needs assistant but who need this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50750/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the Junior and Leaving certificate examinations. The State Examinations Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students. Full details of the scheme is available for downloading from their website: www.examinations.ie/candidates/reasonableaccommodations. Christmas and summer examinations in 1st, 2nd and 5th year are not part of the State examinations system. The decision to organise these examinations is made at school level. These examinations are not a requirement of my Department.