Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 11

Written Answers. - Psychologist's Report.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

82 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education if a copy of her Department's psychologist's report will be made available to either parents or the post-primary school of a child (details supplied) in County Wexford, in relation to the reason he was refused special additional time and consideration for the junior certificate examination, and to allow their medical experts to appeal this; and if this report be furnished to them immediately so that they can give a considered response to having it reconsidered in future.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

In the case referred to by the Deputy an application for special consideration in the junior certificate examination was made to my Department in November 1992. Samples of the candidate's written work and a psychological report from the Central Remedial Clinic were received in support of the application. The application was referred to my Department's Psychological Service for Consideration.

It is often possible to make a decision based on documents such as those received without the need of a further assessment. In the case referred to by the Deputy, however, the candidate was seen and assessed by one of my Department's psychologists. Based on all the available information, if was decided that the candidate was not eligible for special consideration. This decision was communicated to the school on 7 May 1993 and explained to the school principal, in the course of a phone call, on 13 May 1993.

The assessment of my Department's psychologist will be supplied to the candidate's school, if requested.