Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 1 May 1996

Vol. 464 No. 7

Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate Art Examination.

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

88 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if there is any record in her Department to indicate whether it received a package through the post containing the craftwork submitted by the Ursuline College in Sligo in respect of the 1995 leaving certificate examination. [8834/96]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

90 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the date on which An Post was requested to assist in tracing a package of craftwork dispatched by post by the Ursuline College, Sligo, in respect of the 1995 leaving certificate examination art entries from that school. [8845/96]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

91 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education whether Department of Education officials made contact with An Post to seek its assistance in tracing a package of craftwork dispatched by post by the Ursuline College, Sligo, in respect of the 1995 leaving certificate examination art entries from that school; if so, the date on which contact was made by her officials; the result of such inquiries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8846/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 90 and 91 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the inquiry by Price Waterhouse into the operation of the 1995 leaving certificate art examination is now at a very advanced stage. Its report will be comprehensive in its treatment of the relevant issues. It will ensure that matters such as departmental records, delivery of materials and follow up action by my Department are properly presented in their correct context. This full and proper presentation is essential to the process of drawing conclusions and making recommendations. For this reason it would not be appropriate at this stage for me to comment selectively on individual matters in advance of receiving the report.

I am confident that the report which I anticipate receiving shortly will provide all information relevant to this issue together with firm conclusions. At that stage I will be in a position to deal fully with the Deputy's questions.