Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
430. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding accessibility of Leaving Certificate applied examinations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57321/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra439. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth to respond to concerns (details supplied) that several Leaving Certificate Applied subjects are inaccessible for deaf and hard of hearing students; for details of any plans to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57400/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 430 and 439 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.
