Ms Andrea Feeney:

We are outlier for a number of reasons. There is the spelling and grammar waiver that is unique in this jurisdiction. It does not exist. In fact, it is not allowed at third level in Ireland because it is considered that spelling and grammar are so core to language subjects that there cannot be an exemption from them. That accommodation was introduced by that expert group in 2000 as a way of addressing the conundrum - and I will call it that - of trying to diagnose or determine who would be eligible for additional time.

While appreciating that we are having this conversation now, we are also committing that there is a review process. It is looking at integrating with the senior cycle redevelopment process. It is also looking at assistive technology in the exams and how we can do more in that space to support independent learning. The review will also respond to this issue of additional time, which I mentioned in my opening statement, as well as concerns about students with processing and cognitive difficulties not arising from dyslexia but from other forms of learning difficulty.