Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairperson. I am here on behalf of the Minister for Education. I thank the Senator for the opportunity to update the House on this important matter. The State Examinations Commission or the SEC has responsibility for operational matters relating to State examinations. There is a reasonable accommodation for certificate examination scheme which facilitates access for candidates who would have difficulty in accessing examinations or communicating what they know to an examiner because of a physical disability.This includes medical, sensory, behavioural and mental health difficulties as well as physical difficulties, visual and hearing impairments or a learning difficulty. The category of learning difficulty encompasses a range of conditions such as dyslexia but also general learning difficulties, dysgraphia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.

A central tenet of the RACE scheme is to ensure equitable treatment for all candidates, and the range of accommodations provided within the scheme has been designed to ensure fairness for all when facilitating candidates in demonstrating their level of achievement. It is important to note that access to the scheme is needs-based rather than based on a specific diagnosis. Almost one in four candidates at the 2024 certificate examinations was provided with some form of reasonable accommodation within the scheme to support them in accessing the State examinations.

As regards candidates with dyslexia, general learning difficulties, dyscalculia and other forms of learning, an extensive range of accommodations is available. These include an individual reader, a reading assistant, an exam reading pen, a word processor, a recording device and additional time for any candidate using a scribe to provide for time overhead in dictating answers.

I can advise that the challenge in determining the allocation of additional time for candidates with learning difficulties, including dyslexia, was recognised by an expert advisory group some years ago, leading to two particular measures being introduced to the scheme. First, additional time of 20 minutes per examination paper was introduced for all candidates in the leaving certificate subjects of Irish, English, history and geography. Second, a waiver from spelling, grammar and punctuation was also established. The SEC has advised that this waiver is, to its knowledge, unique to the Irish examination system.

I am advised by the SEC that it absolutely acknowledges there is increasing complexity in the special educational landscape and, by extension, in the impact on candidates with special educational needs taking the certificate examinations, and that there has been a recent focus on a number of areas, including the adequacy of additional time within the scheme. I can also advise that, in the context of senior cycle redevelopment, the SEC has commenced work on a comprehensive system-wide review of the RACE scheme. This is being overseen by the board of commissioners in the SEC, which has recently agreed the terms of reference for the review, and it is due to commence by the year end. In particular, the SEC has affirmed that the review will consider all relevant issues, including the question of additional time, and that it will involve extensive consultation with as broad a range of stakeholders as possible.