Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
561. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the accommodations for students with dyslexia and other learning differences under the RACE scheme, initially confirmed to be in place for the 2026 leaving certificate examinations, will be introduced in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4168/26]
View answerThe 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. The SEC has confirmed that, within the context of the comprehensive review that is underway, it is working on a scheme of additional time which will be piloted for the 2026 examinations. This information has been confirmed in the RACE Instructions for Schools 2026 issued in October. The SEC is working actively to confirm details of the additional time scheme. In the interim, candidates and schools have been encouraged to apply as normal for accommodations under the RACE scheme.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to you with further detail about the ongoing review of the RACE scheme.
