Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)

I thank both Senators for their contributions this morning, particularly Senator Crowe for placing this. I will be quite frank; this is the second time I have taken a Commencement matter of this nature. Admittedly, the first time was not in this iteration of the Seanad but it is remarkable that, two years on, we are dealing with the same question. I hope we will be able to give more of a positive update than the last time.

The State Examinations Commission, as the Senators are aware, has responsibility for the reasonable accommodations at certificate examinations, RACE, scheme. A central tenet of the RACE scheme is to ensure equitable treatment for all candidates. 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.

The review the Senators have both raised is being undertaken by the SEC during a time of senior cycle redevelopment and in the context of the wider special educational needs policy landscape. It is a comprehensive and system-wide review of the scheme. The programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and to ensure those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations. The review by the SEC, which is under way now, will seek to take account of these, all relevant issues and best practice internationally, including the examples cited by Senator Crowe.

The review is being directed by the board of commissioners of the SEC and overseen by a steering group, with the terms of reference published on the SEC website. The steering group is chaired by the CEO of the SEC and is composed of external members drawn from Government, academic and international organisations and internal SEC members of staff. The inclusion of internal SEC members of staff as well as external members is designed to ensure that rolling changes can be implemented as the review progresses rather than awaiting a big-bang approach at the end of the full review period.

Already, and on a pilot basis for the 2025 examinations, additional time for vision-impaired candidates who are under the care of the visiting teacher service is being increased from ten minutes per hour or part of an hour to 15 minutes for junior cycle, leaving certificate applied and leaving certificate.This increases the additional time for these candidates to between 25% and 38% of total examination duration. For example, for an examination of two hours and 30 minutes, additional time of 15 minutes per hour increases the total examination time provided by 30%. This goes to Senator Curley's point that this is the opportunity. There is no sacred cow in terms of time limits. We can adjust it and be more reflective of the needs of the individual student. We are already doing it on a trial basis. Let us not dismiss this.

The consultation that will take place over the coming months will inform any appropriate changes to the shape of the scheme for the 2026 State examinations and those thereafter, with the details of the scheme for 2026 to be communicated to schools before the end of 2025 in line with normal timelines. Given the wide range of difficulties for which accommodations are sought, it is intended to seek the views of users through extensive consultation and engagement in order to capture all perspectives and to ensure all voices are heard equally. This will include young people with special educational needs, their families and representative organisations, including Dyslexia Ireland. It will take place over the coming months. I will make sure that the content of this debate is also included in that consultation.

The SEC acknowledges that there is increasing complexity in the special educational landscape, and, by extension, on the impact on candidates with special educational needs taking certificate examinations. Extensive consultation and engagement to be undertaken as part of this comprehensive review will provide an opportunity for the views of those affected to be incorporated into the considerations.