Written answers

Monday, 8 September 2025

Department of Education and Skills

State Examinations

Photo of Emer CurrieEmer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

862. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available for students with dyslexia during State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45922/25]

Photo of Emer CurrieEmer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

863. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is considering any proposals to increase the supports available for students with dyslexia during State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45923/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 862 and 863 together.

The Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and also to ensure that those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme. I welcome that the SEC is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the scheme, in which it intends to give consideration to these and all relevant issues.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Photo of Emer CurrieEmer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

864. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the annual budget for the State Examinations Commission, by year from 2020 and 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45924/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) receives an annual funding allocation from the Department of Education and Youth (DoEY) which funds the majority of the commission's work. It should be noted that the SEC also receives income from examination and appeals fees.

The funding allocated to the SEC for the years 2020-2025 was as follows:

- Allocation
2020* 48,171,000
2021 75,847,000
2022 92,918,000
2023 105,114,000
2024** 135,739,000
2025 110,651,000
*It can be noted that in 2020, the SEC had a saving of €20m due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Following a Government decision of 8 May 2020, the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations in June were cancelled. Certain elements of SEC work were therefore not undertaken and accordingly some suppliers’ costs did not materialise. This funding was returned to the Department.

** Budget 2025 Cost of Living measures were provided as an advance payment to SEC in December 2024, for the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations fee waiver in 2025.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.