Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned by the figures cited by the Minister of State, which indicate that only 66% of applications for a waiver from the spelling and grammar element of language subjects are being granted. It is not possible to ascertain whether the children in the remaining 34% of cases received the relevant supports at junior certificate level.

I have received correspondence from a number of parents of children who been refused supports for the leaving certificate examination, having previously received them at junior certificate level. Applications have been refused despite letters of support being provided both by the schools in question and clinical psychologists who assessed the children. In one psychological report submitted as part of the appeal against a refusal, the psychologist states that the State Examinations Commission had "completely misunderstood and misinterpreted" her report into the learning capacity of the student in question. She points out that the waiver would have been granted if the student had been assessed on a purely human level and expresses dismay at the process by which the decision was made.

The problem the psychologist raises is being compounded by the letters sent by the State Examinations Commission to students who are being denied supports previously provided to them at junior certificate level. These letters indicate that the application for access to a reader has not been granted, without providing any explanation. It is then stated that an appeals process is available. However, failed appellants are subsequently issued with a further letter, which states the appeal has been denied and again does not provide any explanation. This matter needs to be examined. While we do not know if all of those who apply for supports at leaving certificate level received such supports at junior certificate level, it appears a significant number of students - 34% - are being denied supports they received previously. The Department should address this issue.

See this speech in context