asked the Minister for Education if he is permitting the use of electronic calculators to intermediate and leaving certificate candidates in 1975; and, if so, the steps he is taking to supply them to students who cannot afford them.
Written Answers. - Electronic Calculators.
96.
The calculators in question are not necessary for the purpose of these examinations and there is no intention of making them available to candidates at the expense of the Department of Education. Their use was allowed at these examinations in 1974 as a convenience to students and I am professionally advised that they do not confer any unfair advantage on a student who uses them over a student who does not. It is proposed to allow their use again in 1975 but, having regard to controversy which has arisen over their use, the matter whether such permission would again be given in subsequent years will be further considered in due course.