I propose to take Questions Nos. 2, 6, 34, 76, 78, 79 and 80 together.
My Department have received a letter from the Dyslexia Association of Ireland welcoming the Department's recent circular letter on the special arrangement to be made at the certificate examinations for candidates suffering from disabilities, but seeking clarification of some of the proposals, in particular the proposal to endorse certificates in certain cases. I am aware that the association convened a special meeting to discuss the latter issue but I do not have a report of the meeting.
I should explain that the basic principle involved is that the integrity and acceptability of the certificates we award must be protected in the interests of all the candidates. It is the practice of the Department, as set out in the circular letter referred to, to give special consideration to examination candidates suffering from a disability. In cases where the award of a certificate in such cases might be misleading to a prospective employer or educational institution, then it becomes necessary to add an appropriate endorsement. This would not be necessary in the case of a disability such as blindness or paraplegia which would be obvious to all. Where allowance is made in the marking for a disability such as a specific learning disability which would not be immediately apparent, then it behoves the Department to add an appropriate endorsement.