There must be urgent reform of the State examinations system to ensure that students with dyslexia are granted additional time and appropriate supports during their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins.
Deputy Cummins said:
“Earlier this month at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Youth, I highlighted the need for the Department of Education to review the current Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) scheme to ensure it adequately reflects the challenges faced by students with specific learning difficulties.
“Students with dyslexia are expected to complete their exams under the same strict time limits as their peers, despite often needing to read and process exam questions multiple times.
“If we look at the criteria in the UK for extra time on the grounds of dyslexia or learning difficulties, students are provided with additional time because it is recognised that their processing speed and reading fluency can impact their ability to demonstrate their knowledge under pressure.
“We should be affording Irish students the same fairness and understanding – ironically the SEC has requested the committee for more time regarding the review, exactly what dyslexic students are looking for.
“Ireland risks falling behind international best practice if it fails to modernise its approach – iIn other jurisdictions, there is a recognition that exam timing can present an additional barrier for students with learning differences.
“The purpose of State exams should be to test understanding, not reading speed – we need to ensure every student has a fair opportunity to show what they know.
“We cannot ask students with dyslexia to jump hurdles that others do not face and then expect to judge them by the same stopwatch.
“I’m calling on the Department of Education to work closely with schools, parents and advocacy groups to make the RACE scheme more transparent and responsive – our education system should empower every child to succeed on their own terms, beginning with equity and fairness.
“The Minister must act quickly to reform the RACE framework ahead of the 2026 exam cycle, ensuring that all students with specific learning difficulties are given the time and tools they need to perform to their potential.”
October 20th, 2025