Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I tabled this Adjournment matter because I have dealt with a case that is an indictment of the education system. It pertains to twins, both of whom applied for a special dispensation in their leaving certificate examination process because they are identically dyslexic. One was granted special arrangements while the other was not, simply because the second girl may have been a little brighter than the first and her examination results were a little better. Despite having identical medical issues - the position regarding their dyslexia was identical - the State Examinations Commission decided to discriminate against one and show favouritism to the other. The director of the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability, AHEAD, also wrote a strongly-worded submission, which I have read, to the State Examinations Commission in support of the second student. Unfortunately, no response to that letter has been received to date.

Upon examining the State Examinations Commission and its remit, it appears to be answerable to no one. It is not answerable to either the Ombudsman for Children or these Houses and is only answerable to the Department. It can decide itself when to respond to letters. It can also decide arbitrarily whether to give special arrangements to people with disabilities. An argument is being put forward to the effect the middle classes are using the State Examinations Commission's special arrangements in some cases to secure additional time, facilities and so on for their young people. While I understand that all systems, including this one, are open to abuse, if even a single child is discriminated against because of such thinking, it simply is not good enough.

I am asking that the Ombudsman for Children be given a remit in this area. In regard to the specific case I have raised, I ask that the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, bring to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills, the need for him and his officials to intervene with the State Examinations Commission in the remaining three to four weeks before the leaving certificate examinations commence to ensure the person concerned, who is a citizen of this State, is given parity of esteem and equality with her sister who suffers from the same condition as she does. This discrimination between two siblings is absolutely appalling.