Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 16 May 2024

Committee on Public Petitions

Reasonable Accommodation for Dyslexic Students in State Examinations: Discussion

Photo of Martin BrowneMartin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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I want to ask a couple of quick questions. The first is for the Department. Is there no way it can work with the SEC to ensure there is reasonable accommodation for dyslexic students in State examinations at junior certificate and leaving certificate stage? Would it not be expedient for the Department to develop a policy framework to fast-track the provision of extra time for such students?

According to Ms O'Callaghan's opening statement the number of candidates being provided with accommodations is increasing and, for example, in 2023 almost 22% of candidates were provided with reasonable accommodations. Is there a positive correlation between the increase and the performance of these students?

My next question is for the SEC. The petitioners are of the view that the provision of extra time would address the needs not covered by the existing available accommodations, including the spelling and grammar waiver. Does the SEC agree with this position?