Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in regard to the marking of Irish essays in the leaving certificate examination, 80% of the marks are awarded for grammar while 20% are awarded for content; if this marking system is the optimum one for encouraging greater use of the Irish language by and among leaving certificate students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16791/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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On foot of a Government decision, the State Examinations Commission was established on 6 March 2003. The commission now has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. This includes the issue of marking schemes.

I can, however, advise the Deputy that the creative writing question in the leaving certificate higher level Irish written examination may take a number of forms, including reporting, a literature type creative story, a debate or address, an article for a newspaper arguing a number of points, and the more traditional essay type.

From a total of 600 marks available for the subject, 100 marks may be awarded for the creative writing question. The published marking scheme provides for 80 marks for the "quality of Irish displayed" not just grammar and the remaining 20 marks for the treatment of the subject matter.

The marking of the leaving certificate Irish examination is undertaken by experienced examiners appointed by the State Examinations Commission, who recognise the difference between major mistakes in syntax and minor grammatical errors. In marking this question the examiners consider the depth and breadth of the Irish displayed, as well as mastery of idiom, structure and grammar. I am confident that this is the correct approach.