(Cavan) asked the Minister for Education what percentage of pupils who sat for this year's leaving certificate examination demanded a re-examination of their papers; how many of these received increased marks as a result; if it is a fact that there has been an increase in the number of requests for a re-check as compared with other years; and if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leaving Certificate Marking Scheme.
27.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by me on this matter on 28th October.
In all cases it was found that the marking of the assistant examiners was in keeping with the prescribed marking scheme. There were a small number of cases, however, in which due to errors of totting or transferring of marks an amended result was issued.
(Cavan): I asked the percentage of students who requested a re-check and how many got increased marks as a result of that re-check and whether there were more this year seeking a re-check than there were in other years?
We have not got the actual figures for 1969. My officials state that, from the correspondence they have had, there were fewer requests for a re-check this year as compared with last year.
(Cavan): Surely it should be possible for the Minister to give the percentage who sought a re-check and how many got increased marks as a result of that re-check?
I pointed out to the Deputy that, while there were requests for re-checks, it was found that, with the exception of a small number of cases in which there were errors in totting or in the transferring of marks, the results remained as they had been returned by the examiner.
(Cavan): Does the Minister's Department not deal in percentages? Could he not tell me what percentage of the total who sat for the examination required a re-check and how many got increased marks as a result of that re-check?
I could of course but, as I explained here, this would——
(Cavan): If the Minister has not got the information in front of him, would he be good enough to communicate with me?
I will not guarantee to get the information, but I will have a look at the matter.
(Cavan): Will the Minister communicate with me one way or the other?
Yes.
Will the Minister allow a re-check of the papers of privately tutored pupils who cannot demand a re-check through any recognised principal of any recognised school? I asked for a re-check and I was told that the request would have to be made through a school principal.
I will take a look at the matter.