Ms Evelyn O'Connor:

I do not know whether any specific recommendations were made in the context of that review but I imagine that there were because an extensive range of examination supports are available to students who are deaf or have hearing impairments. I can outline those if the Deputy wishes me to do so. For example, they include the use of a personal CD player with a personal induction loop in the main examination centre for the oral examination, a special examination centre for the oral examination, a modified oral examination in a language subject, exemption from the oral examination if modified oral is not appropriate for the candidate, an exemption from the oral component of the music examination, a sign language interpreter to sign an examination paper without elaborating or explanation, being examined by an oral examiner who has been briefed in dealing with candidates with a hearing or speech impairment, exemption from the oral test if support arrangements are unsuitable and seating the candidate close to the superintendent and-or the CD player in the main examination centre. That can be arranged by the school.

As the Deputy said, the RACE scheme underwent fundamental reform in the 2016-17 school year. I started to tell her the areas on which it focused. Part of that would have included allowing schools greater autonomy, giving students greater certainty about examination supports that would be available to them and providing greater access to the scheme for students with learning difficulties. As I mentioned, it is there to support all students who have a range of-----