Vol. 462 No. 3
77 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an investigation of the 11,000 art examination entries for 1995 was being carried out within her Department between 15 and 20 December 1995. [4654/96]
78 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the type, nature and extent of the investigation into the 11,000 1995 art examination entries that took place within her Department between 15 and 20 December 1995. [4655/96]
79 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the way in which the most recent case of a further upgrade for a 1995 art examination candidate came to the attention of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4656/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 78 and 79 together.
I was aware at the time in a general way that, as a result of cases brought to light from the Ursuline School, an exercise was under way to check that candidates had been properly credited with their marks for all components of the Art examination. Following an evident failure in the system this was a reasonable step to take. I would not have expected to be informed of the detailed activities, nor was I.
The exercise was undertaken to establish that all Art candidates in the 1995 leaving certificate examinations had received credit for all components for which they had presented for examination. It involved the scrutiny of marking sheets and attendance records.
The most recent case of an upgrade came to light as a direct result of the work initiated in connection with the Price Waterhouse inquiry. It involved an error in the processing of an appeal. All aspects of this further upgrade will be encompassed within the scope of the Price Waterhouse inquiry.
