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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Feb 1989

Vol. 387 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leaving Certificate Examinations.

3.

asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of the arrangements which have been entered into by her Department to provide a role for the National University of Ireland in relation to the setting of examination papers and correcting of examination scripts at leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

I welcome this opportunity to make it clear that the arrangements referred to in recent newspaper articles involve simply the updating and codifying of a scheme that has been in place since 1941.

The Deputy will be aware that I am considering proposals relating to the general question of entry to third level. This will of course involve discussion with third level institutions among others. I hope that such discussions can be got under way shortly.

The Minister in the course of replying referred to an updating and codification. Would she agree that this involves putting on a very formal basis what up to now was informal in so far as it existed at all?

The system in place was begun in the late twenties and was last revised in 1941. Last autumn, at the request of the National University of Ireland, a meeting was held to discuss the arrangements for the involvement of the university in the leaving certificate process.

Is it not the case that, as a result of this arrangement, the National University of Ireland will be involved in a structured and systematic way in the leaving certificate examination in a manner that has not obtained to date?

No, they always were involved. However, from time to time — for reasons best known to themselves — they attended or did not attend the various meetings held to discuss various matters arising out of that arrangement. It appeared to us that it was time, shall I say, to revive the arrangement which had been in existence for quite a long time.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to anxieties expressed within the educational world about circumstances in which the leaving certificate, which is for all students, should have this structured role in the interests of the minority of students who aspire to attend the national University of Ireland? Even if the Minister is satisfied that it is proper that there should be a role for third level in relation to the leaving certificate why is there a distinction to be drawn between the National University of Ireland and, for example, the non-HEA sector? What will be the role of the new fledging universities in Limerick and Dublin?

These are all valid points being considered in the context of my on-going discussions about changes in third level, entry into third level education and developments which have taken place there. I can assure the Deputy that the points he has raised will be borne in mind.

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