Vol. 395 No. 6
212 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education when the powers in section IV (23) of the Rules for Secondary Schools, to approve for second-level purposes, certain courses followed in national schools have been used in the past 20 years; and if she will outline the circumstances.
The powers quoted in the question have been used in the past 20 years, to provide for secondary education in secondary sections of national schools (secondary tops) in a small number of cases where it was considered necessary. In the 1969-70 school year there were 26 secondary tops. In 1989-90 there are three, one of which is currently being phased out.
213 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education when the powers she has in section V (27) of the Rules for Secondary Schools to require examinations, additional to certificate examinations, to be held, have been used in the past 20 years; and if she will outline the circumstances.
In the last 20 years this power has been used only in relation to the senior certificate.
Each year since 1985 examinations have been held to cater for students following the senior certificate course in certain post-primary schools. The course is of two years duration and examinations are held at the end of each year.
