Vol. 495 No. 7
759 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to revise the special arrangements in State examinations on the grounds of specific learning difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21910/98]
My Department's policy on special arrangements is to ensure that all candidates are given the opportunity to demonstrate their full level of attainment and at the same time ensuring that no unfair advantage is given. The operation of the scheme is regularly reviewed to ensure it is effective in meeting those objectives.
Traditionally in the case of candidates with a specific learning difficulty and where a concern has been expressed regarding the readability of material, this has been brought to the attention of the individual examiner. However, in the event of the examiner encountering difficulty in reading the script the examiner is instructed to send the answerbook to his or her supervising examiner. This is to ensure that, notwithstanding any presentational or readability difficulties, every effort is made by the examiner or supervising examiner to ensure that the candidate is given full credit for all work done.
This year my Department has moved to strengthen this arrangement by instructing all examiners who have a difficulty in assessing the information given by a candidate to refer the script to their supervising examiner. The intention is to ensure that problems with readability, regardless of whether they are brought to the attention of the Department, are dealt with by the examiner and that no candidate is disadvantaged.
760 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the special arrangements, if any, which will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford, on the grounds of specific learning difficulty, for the junior certificate examination in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21911/98]
Applications for special arrangements are made through the authorities of the school which the candidate is attending. My Department has confirmed with the authorities of the school concerned that no application for special arrangements has been made by them in respect of the candidate in question.
761 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to provide an appropriate education for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21912/98]
I am aware of the person named in the Deputy's question. In this case home tuition for seven hours per week has been made available as a short-term interim provision for this person. My Department has requested the local vocational education committee to provide assistance in arranging for the delivery of the tuition and to ensure that plans are made to provide a suitable education for this person in the longer term.
