Vol. 517 No. 6
392 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the circumstances and criteria under which persons suffering from disabilities sitting the leaving certificate might be provided with a scribe to assist them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10410/00]
Generally candidates who cannot write effectively because of a physical disability or a specific learning difficulty are permitted the use of a tape recorder, typewriter or a word processor to record their answers. However, there are circumstances where this arrangement proves unsuitable. It may be the case that a candidate's speech might be difficult to interpret from tape because of a speech impairment or the use of the mechanical aid would not meet the particular needs of an examination, for example making calculations in such subjects as mathematics and accounting. In such instances my Department can allow the assistance of a scribe.
