Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 70: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on the presentation to leaving certificate students of the incorrect English paper; the cost involved in re-organising the sitting of this paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23241/09]

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

The superintendent who distributed English Paper 2 instead of English Paper 1, did not carry out any of the following documented procedures correctly – the checking of the label on the exam packet, the checking of the exam paper, the checking of each exam paper in the packet, and the sign off by 2 students that this was the correct paper for the session. This is in spite of the fact that the superintendent has to formally sign a checklist that he has undertaken these procedures. Furthermore, he made no report on the matter to the Principal or the State Examinations Commission (SEC). A SEC inspector visited the centre on a random monitoring visit shortly after the start of the exam and was not advised of the error.

The State Examinations Commission was notified of the problem at 3.50pm on Wednesday 3rd June by the Principal of the school, took steps to determine whether security had been compromised, and it became clear that the examination paper would have to be replaced. As the Commission could not guarantee that the correct supply of contingency papers would be delivered to 100% of the over 2000 Leaving Certificate examination centres by 9.00am the next day, there was no option but to re-schedule the paper. The costs of re-scheduling the examination are estimated to be up to €1.7m, and arise from the extra cost of school transport, payment of superintendents, attendants and examination aides.

It is fully appreciated that the re-scheduling of the examination, although unavoidable, has given rise to distress and inconvenience for students, and this is sincerely regretted. Both the Commission and I have apologised to students and their families in media broadcasts for the inconvenience caused. I take this opportunity to apologise again for what has been a stressful disruption in the examination process. I have asked the Commission to investigate the matter fully, to report on the circumstances that required the rescheduling of the exam, and the measures needed to address any weaknesses identified and to minimise the risk of any future recurrence.