State Examinations

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Ceisteanna (256)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

256. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth to confirm whether students with a formal diagnosis of dyslexia will be eligible for the additional time accommodation announced for the 2026 State examinations, regardless of whether they currently receive a direct intervention accommodation under the RACE scheme; to clarify the categories of "specific needs" covered by the interim scheme; to state the evidential requirements that will apply for eligibility; to confirm when the full eligibility criteria and application process, including deadlines and any appeals mechanism, will be formally published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9074/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances in State examinations. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has operational responsibility for the delivery of the State examinations including the scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations (RACE).

As part of its comprehensive review of the RACE scheme, which is currently ongoing, the SEC has given careful consideration to how best to give effect to the Programme for Government commitment on additional time, seeking to balance the how to better meet the needs of candidates with special educational needs while preserving equity and fairness in the State examinations. On completion of this process, the SEC issued a circular to schools on 29 January last confirming the details, eligibility criteria and process for the interim scheme of additional time.

I have asked the SEC to reply to you directly with the detail requested in relation to eligibility for the scheme.