Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach indicated there is a short timeframe available now for the discussion of legislation and I do not anticipate time being made available to discuss this matter. However, there are other ways in which this can be raised. Also, the Joint Committee on Education and Science can take the opportunity to meet the State Examination Commission.

I want to make one or two points. First, I spoke with the chairman of the commission today and expressed my concerns about what has happened. He indicated to me that he will be having a meeting with the commissioners tomorrow on this matter and the practice. The issues will be examined and brought back to my attention to determine what further action, if any, must be taken.

We always review the outcome of the examination process and procedure, which is a mammoth task. It is unacceptable that young people who have been studying for two or three years for an examination would find themselves in this situation but I compliment the schools involved for the speedy way in which they were in a position to get the examination papers from the commission and to give that additional time to those young people. I hope the situation was not a deterrent to their ability to answer the questions, but I reiterate that it was not acceptable. I have spoken with the chairman about the matter. The commission deals with the issue of printing, etc. It is not necessarily that the process was inadequate, but that certain people did not do the job they were asked to do. This matter will be brought back to me as quickly as possible, but the committee, which is active in the House, could have an opportunity to raise this matter with the commission.

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