Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
162. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if all students with dyslexia and dyscalculia will be afforded extra time in State exams in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70745/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 details of the additional time scheme will be confirmed at a later date, and candidates and schools are 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 RACE scheme and the ongoing review.
