Ms Celeste O'Callaghan:

I thank the committee for the invitation to attend. I am principal officer in the curriculum and assessment policy unit in the Department of Education and my remit includes responsibility for matters relating to the State examinations. The Department’s role is a broad one of policy oversight, as distinct from the State Examinations Commission’s operational responsibility for the development and delivery of the State examinations.

The accommodations provided under the SEC’s scheme of reasonable accommodations at certificate examinations, more generally known as the RACE scheme, are an important part of the SEC’s operational remit. In that context, I understand that my colleagues in the SEC will set out in their opening statement further detail on the RACE scheme and the different accommodations in place for students, including those with dyslexia.

From a policy perspective, the Department is very conscious of the importance of the RACE scheme in facilitating fair and equal access to the State examinations for all candidates who would have difficulty in accessing the examinations or communicating what they know because of visual or hearing difficulties, a learning difficulty or a physical difficulty. As members might be aware, the number of candidates being provided with accommodations is rising and in 2023, for example, nearly 22% of candidates were provided with reasonable accommodation. In ensuring that the RACE scheme continues to meet the needs of all candidates, the SEC undertook fundamental reform of the scheme in the 2016-17 school year. It continues to ensure that the scheme is subject to ongoing review and improvement to meet the needs of all students, including students with dyslexia, and that this is informed by engagement with stakeholders.

The SEC intends that the RACE scheme will be subject to further review in the context of the ongoing senior cycle redevelopment. The Department welcomes the SEC’s ongoing focus on the review of the scheme and its intention to continue to ensure extensive consultation and engagement with all of the relevant stakeholders.

I am happy to respond to any questions the committee may have.