James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

191. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5409/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As is reflected in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy, neither my department nor the State Examinations Commission (SEC), has a role in relation to the setting, running, or marking of mock examinations. Decisions to hold mock examinations are taken by individual schools. The format of these examinations varies from school to school and not all schools run mock examinations.

For information, the SEC, as part of its remit, provides access to the examinations for candidates with a complex variety of special educational needs under the RACE scheme (Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations). A central tenet of the scheme is to ensure equitable treatment for all candidates. The range of accommodations provided within the scheme has been designed to ensure fairness for all when facilitating candidates in demonstrating their level of achievement.

Specifically, for candidates with vision impairments, the SEC works very closely with the Visiting Teacher of the National Council for Special Education. There are a range of supports available to vision impaired candidates which includes enlarged versions of papers, Braille version, exam reading pen, access to a scribe or reader and others. Three specific initiatives were introduced in 2023 for candidates with vision impairments – additional time for practical exams, extending the Colour Identifier role and also a pilot scheme providing exam papers in read only digital PDF format.

In addition, in the context of the current Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme of reform, the SEC has commenced work on a comprehensive system wide review of the RACE Scheme. The review will consider all relevant issues and take account of best practice internationally and will include extensive consultation and engagement with as broad a range of stakeholders as possible.