Vol. 488 No. 1
250 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is discrimination in granting special category status, for state exams, between children with average ability but with learning difficulties and children with below average IQ; and if he will consider extending the special category status for state exams to these children. [5403/98]
I should explain for the Deputy that special arrangements are made for candidates who would have a difficulty in communicating what they know to an examiner because of a physical disability, including visual and hearing impairments, or of a specific learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia. The special arrangements are intended to remove, as far as possible, the impact of the disability on the candidates performance and thus enable the candidate to demonstrate his or her level of attainment as distinct from attempting to compensate in any way for a lack of ability or knowledge on the part of the candidate. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to keep this area under review to ensure that proper allowances are made for candidates with special needs.
