TIM NELLIGAN,
Sir, - Circular S12/02 has been sent to the authorities of post-primary schools by the Department of Education, re: "Shortage of Examiners for Leaving Certificate."
It states that ". . . there are insufficient examiners available to cater for the 2002 examinations . . . there is no alternative . . . the inevitable consequence of not resolving the examiner supply problem for 2002 is that it will not be possible to examine all candidates during the scheduled examining period".
Moreover, we are told of the exam system that "the current model which many stakeholders regard as valuable is dependent on teacher participation . . .".
Is this from the Government department presided over by the same Minister who told the Dáil, and the people of Ireland last year that he could run the State examinations without the teachers because he had a fool-proof "contingency plan"?
Where is Michael Woods' contingency plan now? Does it exist? Did it ever exist? Did he mislead the members of Dáil Éireann last year on this issue? If so, the House rules are clear, he must resign. - Yours, etc.,
TIM NELLIGAN,
Rose Hill,
Wicklow Town,
Co Wicklow.