asked the Minister for Education if he will state whether he proposes to hold an inquiry into the conduct of the intermediate and leaving certificate examinations at the Christian Brothers' Schools, Tullamore, in June, 1945; if he will state if any reports were sent to his Department to the effect that irregularities in the conduct of these examinations have occurred for some years past, particularly as regards fore-knowledge by candidates of the contents of the examination papers; if any assurance can be given to the parents of pupils that similar irregularities will not occur in future examinations; and if he is aware that the general public in Offaly request an inquiry into the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conduct of Tullamore Examinations.
The circumstances in which prior information regarding the contents of some of the examination papers of this year's certificate examinations was irregularly obtained and communicated to some of the candidates from the school in question were fully investigated by officers of the Gárda Síochána and of my Department. Their reports show clearly how the irregularity occurred, so that no further inquiry into that matter is necessary.
From time to time in recent years, reports have been received by my Department that information as to the contents of certain papers was in circulation prior to the examinations. All these reports are carefully investigated immediately on their receipt and I am satisfied that in every case they were without foundation, except one which occurred in 1941 and in which suitable action was taken.
Every precaution is taken in my Department to maintain the strictest secrecy as to the contents of the examination papers, and to investigate any rumour of a leakage. These precautions led to the prompt detection of the irregularity mentioned in the first part of my reply, and I am satisfied that they provide as effective a remedy as can be found for the purpose. I can assure the parents of the pupils and all other persons concerned that effective action has been taken to prevent the occurrence of such irregularities in the future.
I wish to thank the Minister on behalf of the ratepayers of Offaly for having the matter investigated, and also for the action that, I understand, his Department has taken.