Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The position is that Irish, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Civic Social and Political Education (CSPE) and Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE), in addition to two other subjects, are a normal part of an approved course for a recognised Junior cycle pupil in a secondary school. However, for pupils with special needs, the school is free to adapt this programme or to offer fewer examination subjects if such an approach more appropriately meets the needs of the pupil(s) concerned. It may also be possible to avail of a reasonable accommodation in the certificate examinations (such as modified questions, use of adaptive technology, etc.) if the nature of the disability is such that a pupil would otherwise be unable to access the examination or demonstrate his/her abilities. If a lesser number of subjects is being offered, the school should include an accompanying note with its annual pupil database returns to my Department, to the effect that the pupil has special needs. This will ensure that my Department's IT system accepts the pupil as a recognised pupil for grant and teacher allocation purposes. The examination system is designed to provide certification for candidates either in single subjects, or in any number of subjects.

I would advise the pupil's parents to discuss this matter fully with the school so that he has every opportunity to complete a challenging and successful programme in line with his needs.