David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. This issue relates to a small number of students, perhaps fewer than 400. They could be accommodated in four centres. The examiners have already been trained and briefed. I have been an examiner in years gone by. Most of the points made by the Minister of State can be refuted. When I brought up this issue in 1999 I received a response which was, almost word for word, the same. I congratulate whoever in the Department dug out that reply but it is neither here nor there.

This is an important humanitarian issue which we should make an effort to address and it is not beyond the bounds of possibility to do so. It would not make a great demand on the system. It would only cater for a small number of students. It would not be a repeat examination because those involved would not have sat the examination previously because of illness or bereavement. I call on the Minister of State to use his political good offices. He should approach the State Examinations Commission and call on it to re-examine this issue and determine whether any change is possible. If we can help even one student who has suffered a bereavement, who has had a serious illness or accident and who must put his whole life on hold for 12 months through no fault of his own, then we should do so.

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