Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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95. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding an exemption from mathematics at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20585/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The approach to teaching and learning in schools is that teachers use differentiation to address different rates of learning and learning skills and abilities in pupils. My Department supports the holistic development of the student and, other than in the case of Irish (which is under review), exempting pupils from a key subject area, such as mathematics, is not recommended in view of the need to support the student's overall development. The aim is to develop skills at the level and rate that suits the student's abilities (and disabilities).

Examinations at post-primary level are designed to provide opportunities for candidates across the achievement range to show what they know, understand and can do so as to be fair to candidates and to facilitate a spread of grades across the available range. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) operates a Scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations (RACE scheme). The scheme is designed to assist candidates with special needs at the certificate examinations. Within the context of the RACE scheme the term 'special need' applies to candidates who have a physical disability, including visual and hearing impairments, or a specific learning difficulty.