Vol. 492 No. 7
98 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that a number of leaving certificate students have to take two subjects on the same day, he will consider changing the timetable of the exam to ensure that students would only have to sit one subject on any one day which would include Saturdays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/98]
The change suggested by the Deputy, even allowing for the use of Saturdays, would extend the written examination period from 13 to 23 days. An extension of the examination period into July would impact on the marking schedules and ultimately delay result issue. Alternatively, advancing the start date to accommodate a ten day greater period would impact adversely on the school year and tuition time.
Consequently I am not in a position to proceed on the basis suggested by the Deputy.
