Micheál Martin
Ceist:105 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, she will take to ensure that the NUI examinations appeals procedures are implemented and enforced in all third-level institutions. [17160/96]
Written Answers. - Examination Appeals Procedures.
The procedures used for dealing with appeals on examination results in third level institutions are a matter for the individual college authorities and the relevant validating body. Given the autonomy of institutions and since the NUI is not the only validating body concerned, it would not be open to me, nor would it be at all appropriate, to impose the NUI's examination appeals procedure on all third level institutions.
Micheál Martin
Ceist:106 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if she will introduce legislation for the rights of third-level students to access all information relevant to their examination papers and results to ensure total transparency and accountability in the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17161/96]
Micheál Martin
Ceist:108 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if she has considered the necessity for the introduction of a third-level independent examinations appeals board to deal with all appeals, complaints and queries on examinations from students in third-level education in this country; if she will legislate for the provision of such a board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17163/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 108 together.
Issues relating to examination appeals procedures at third level are a matter for the various institutions themselves. All these institutions have established clear procedures for appealing examination results. A central feature of these procedures is the clear acceptance that all students have the right of access to such procedures.
While there are some slight variations in the systems adopted by the various institutions made necessary by the fact that certain institutions have different assessment procedures, there are a number of common features: students are entitled to discuss their performance after examination results are published; they are entitled to seek a re-check of results; and they are entitled to an appeal of results.
These systems are designed to protect the rights of students and I do not consider legislation necessary in this area.