Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

132. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the review of the timing of the release of the State exam results. [57494/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation, delivery and development of the State examinations. As the Deputy is aware, this year marked the return to externally delivered examinations for all candidates at both Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle, with 61,108 candidates sitting Leaving Certificate examinations and 67,130 candidates sitting Junior Cycle examinations.

There were a number of factors that affected the timing of the issue of results for both examinations this year. The most significant factor contributing to the delay in issuing the Junior Cycle results until now was a shortage of teachers engaging in the marking of these examinations. In 2022, the number of written examiners at Junior Cycle was 1,270 compared with 1,756 in 2019. While the number of candidates sitting examinations increased by more than 4% between 2019 and 2022, the number of Junior Cycle examiners fell by 38% in the same period. This meant examinations were not marked within the normal summer marking window.

Availability of teachers to mark the examinations had been challenging for a number of years prior to the COVID pandemic but became acute in 2022 in relation to Junior Cycle particularly. My Department approved increased rates of payment for examiners this year, and additional payments were made which recognised the cooperation, flexibility and support needed in the delivery of the examinations. Junior Cycle marking fees for 2022 having been increased by at least 48% and up to 57% per script depending on the subject specific rate while rates at Leaving Certificate increased by between 17% and 50% per script. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that €11m was provided on Budget Day this year to maintain these increased examiner pay rates for 2023.

The SEC made significant efforts to recruit examiners for the 2022 examinations and the EARN, LEARN, UNDERSTAND recruitment campaign, which will continue for 2023, highlighted the many professional and financial benefits for teachers of marking.

In that context, I previously noted that the SEC would undertake a review of how best more teachers can be encouraged to undertake the role of examiner to support the delivery and timing of results, and that this would follow the issue of Junior Cycle results. In line with my request, the SEC will be reviewing, with all stakeholders, how best to ensure the availability of teachers in the required numbers to complete this important examination work in a timely manner, as well as ensure a positive experience for teachers that enhances professional competence as well as earning power.