State Examinations

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Questions (338, 339, 340, 341, 342)

John Connolly

Question:

338. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether, having regard to the approach adopted by the State Examinations Commission following concerns raised in relation to the 2023 Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics examination, the Commission will undertake a detailed analysis of candidate performance at various stages of the marking process for the 2026 higher level mathematics examinations; whether, in light of concerns expressed by students, parents and mathematics teachers regarding the 2026 papers, if she will request the Commission to issue a public statement outlining the measures in place to ensure fairness for candidates and to provide reassurance regarding the impact on their results; whether the findings of such analysis may inform any refinement of the marking scheme or standard-setting process where warranted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53563/26]

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John Connolly

Question:

339. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will request the State Examinations Commission to publish, following the issue of results, the Chief Examiner's analysis of candidate performance in 2026 higher level mathematics, including performance on questions that generated significant concern among teachers and students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53564/26]

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John Connolly

Question:

340. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she has reviewed the submission made by the Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association (IMTA) regarding the 2026 Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics examinations; whether the concerns raised therein have been referred to the State Examinations Commission and the Chief Examiner for consideration during the marking process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53565/26]

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John Connolly

Question:

341. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the Department of Education or the State Examinations Commission has requested or commenced an analysis of candidate performance in the 2026 Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics examinations compared with previous years; whether such analysis will inform the standard-setting process and the finalisation of marking schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53566/26]

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John Connolly

Question:

342. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the Chief Examiner for Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics has been requested to examine concerns raised by students, parents and the Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association regarding Question 8 and Question 10 of the 2026 examination papers; whether candidate performance on these questions will be specifically reviewed during the marking process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53567/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 to 342, inclusive, together.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the delivery of the State examinations, including the preparation of all examination papers and test instruments. In accordance with its role, all matters relating to the drafting and setting of examinations and the marking of them fall within its remit. Any such correspondence received in my Department has been brought to the SEC's attention. My Department has not received a submission made by the Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association (IMTA) regarding the 2026 Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics examinations.

In view of the SEC’s statutory responsibility for the delivery of State examinations, your query has been forwarded to them so that they can provide a more detailed response.

Question No. 339 answered with Question No. 338.

Question No. 340 answered with Question No. 338.