Sir, – One get used to Ministers talking nonsense, and Minister of State for Training and Skills Ciaran Cannon proves no exception ("Using computers should be an option in Leaving Cert exams, says Minister", Front Page, June 3rd).
To describe the present examinations as a “handwriting marathon” that demands “three hours of constant writing” is nothing short of gross exaggeration. He does point out that “some will always like pen and paper”, as if such candidates were freakish in some way. People who agree with the Minister can expect “an environment” in which candidates “feel most comfortable”.
I imagine that, given a personal choice, many would opt for the comforts already to be found at home where they study.
This would stop them worrying about “cramped hands” and Mr Cannon could stop worrying about our “languishing” in the global education league table. – Yours, etc,
D KEOGH,
Killarney Heights,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.