Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 760: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if concessions are given to students who become ill while sitting the junior and leaving certificate examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19679/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Following a Government decision, the then Minister for Education and Science formally established the State Examinations Commission on 6 March 2003. The commission now has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

Within the limitations of our examination system, every possible effort is made by the commission to accommodate candidates who suffer illness, bereavement or other trauma either immediately before or during the examinations. Each year, arrangements are made to cater for a wide range of emergencies. These include alterations to the standard examination timetable and special sittings in venues such as hospitals. The National Educational Psychological Service also assists schools and students in crisis situations during examinations.