Vol. 508 No. 1
849 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with treatment of dyslexic pupils at junior and leaving certificate levels; the reason examination privileges have been withdrawn; if this has happened for all or some such pupils; and if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) who has been receiving private tuition at great cost to his parents for the past 8 years. [17647/99]
It is not the case that any special arrangements have been withdrawn in respect of dyslexic students. The range of special arrangements granted to candidates with specific learning difficulties are for the purpose of ensuring as far as is practicable that a student with a specific learning difficulty is given every chance to demonstrate his or her ability at the examination. These arrangements are granted on a case by case basis depending on the evidence provided in support of the application and include the use of taperecorders, readers and scribes.
In addition, all examiners who have a difficulty in assessing the material presented by a candidate are under instruction to refer the script to their 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.
Students who are dissatisfied with the arrangements proposed have access to an independent appeal process.
