asked the Minister for Education (1) the average percentage failures in all faculties in UCD and in UCC; (2) in what faculties is the highest percentage of failures; and (3) if failures are attributed to (a) the present educational standard of the Leaving Certificate, or (b) the unduly high standard of university examinations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - University Examination Failures.
21.
I have no figures available to me which would enable me to furnish the detailed information sought by the Deputy. I would, therefore, suggest that he address his request to the authorities of the Colleges concerned.
I might add, however, that under a co-ordination scheme with the National University of Ireland the same courses are prescribed for the Leaving Certificates as for the Matriculation Examination and the Leaving Certificate papers and scheme of marking are approved by the University representatives. The standard of the Leaving Certificate cannot, therefore, be an issue in this connection.
It might also be appropriate to add that in discussing failures in examinations it is to be borne in mind that there are probably as many reasons for failure as there are students.