Vol. 502 No. 3
626 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the growing practice of outside agencies setting and correcting mock examination papers and charging students for the service; his views on whether this may put lower income families and schools at a disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the probability of this practice. [8003/99]
Under our system, schools have considerable discretion in the setting and marking of mock examinations. In this context I am aware that certain schools engage in a practice of hiring outside agencies to administer school examinations as a preparation for the certificate examinations. The Deputy will be aware, of course, that all schools have access to past examination papers as a source of preparation for their pupils should they so choose.
On the more general point raised by the Deputy, I emphasise that this Government is committed to making the education system as accessible and equitable as possible. The abolition of the examination fee for medical card holders represents a tangible step in this direction in the area of examinations.
