Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2025
296. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the review of the RACE scheme, including any proposals for public consultation; and whether this review will be in place before the 2026 State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52816/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra297. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider the introduction of additional time to the current suite of RACE accommodations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52817/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra298. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth to confirm whether earlier confirmation of accommodations for individual students being accommodated under RACE will be provided prior to the 2026 State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52818/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 296 to 298, inclusive, together.
I can advise the Deputy that 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.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy with further detail about the RACE scheme and the ongoing review.
