I propose to take Questions Nos. 424 and 425 together.
Currently, leaving certificate history is examined by means of a terminal written examination, which takes place under examination hall conditions. Candidates answering through Irish are eligible for the award of bonus marks in accordance with rule 29 of the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools. In 2006 and subsequent years, the leaving certificate history examination will comprise a written examination conducted under examination hall conditions and a research study report completed by candidates in advance of their sitting the written examination under examination hall conditions.
In keeping with all other examinations that involve a component completed outside of the formal supervised written examination, bonus marks will not be awarded in the case of research study reports written in Irish. However, bonus marks will be awarded in the normal way in the case of the component conducted under examination hall conditions.
On foot of a Government decision of 6 March 2003, the State Examinations Commission has been established with statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the national certificate examinations.