The leaving certificate examination is very important for students. The examinations are a stepping stone to college placements for many students. One young student, Ms Rhona Butler, who is no relation although I know the family, was in the middle of her examinations during the summer when, unfortunately, her 50 year old mother, Margaret, died of cancer. Ms Butler had to sit her leaving certificate business exam 12 hours after her mother passed away. I am sure this is not an isolated incident and it happens throughout the country.

I am calling for a reasonable accommodation scheme for students who find themselves in this position. If Ms Butler had not sat her examination that morning, she would have had to wait for another 12 months. Examinations are stressful enough, but losing a parent during the examination makes it even more difficult. Some form of bereavement process must be put in place. A student who loses a parent during the examination process should have the opportunity to resit the examination two to four weeks later at some examination centre in the country.

This is a tragic case with tragic circumstances. I know that and it is sensitive. My understanding is that the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, made contact with the individual and the family concerned. He has agreed to look at this issue so we can respond in a compassionate way in cases like this.