Students who have epileptic seizures can re-sit exams later in the year

LOUtH County Council Chairperson Conor Keelan has said he is “very happy” that Leaving Certificate students who have an epileptic seizure during State exams are now able to resit their exams later the same year.

LCC backed epilepsy ireland’s campaign to address two issues that impact on people with epilepsy and their families.

“i’m very happy to hear what’s going ahead this year. epilepsy ireland will monitor what will happen this year during the exams,” said Conor.

“Pressure and stress could be triggering for some people. in an event where something happens, new structures are in place.

“thankfully these structures will provide a pathway to the stu- dent to recover. it’s very good news.”

Conor is a member of epilepsy ireland and after reading about their campaign in the charity’s members’ magazine, decided to put forward a motion.

He tabled a notice of motion on the issue, which was sent to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Disability matters Deputy Michael Moynihan.

“thankfully lots of other voices joined the campaign and they made contact with their public representatives in the Dail,” said Conor. Leaving Certificate candidates who are unavoidably absent from their exams over coming weeks, due to a close family bereavement or on certain medical grounds, will be given the opportunity to participate in a deferred sitting of the exams which begins on June 29.

According to a statement issued by epilepsy ireland, this is an “extremely welcome development for students with epilepsy sitting the Leaving Cert this year”.

“it will alleviate what for decades, was an unnecessary additional worry at one of the most stressful periods of the young person’s life.

“We will monitor how the new system works in practice in June, and we hope that the new rules will finally close the door on the longstanding issue of appropriate ‘reasonable accommodations’ for students with epilepsy.

“We would like to thank the State examinations Commission and the Minister for education for their understanding and for addressing this matter.

We also want to thank the dozens of tDs and Senators who regularly raised this issue in the Dáil in recent years.” the statement also said: “Most importantly, we want to thank youour members, service users, and volunteers - for regularly using your voice to help amplify our calls to finally achieve this positive change for future generations of students with epilepsy.”

the Dance Kids Proudly Present ‘Dancing With OUr Stars’

An táin Arts Centre is the place to be on Sunday the 18th of June when the Dance Kids unveil their latest show ‘Dancing With OUr Stars’. never one’s to sit still; the Dance Kids have been rehearsing for ‘Dancing With OUr Stars’ since January and have promised that this year’s show will be the perfect event for all the family, with performances to suit all ages.

the talented dancers aged from just four years of age are promising to stage a ‘show-stopping performance’ of the classic Disney film, ‘Cinderella’ as well as many favourites from ‘the Jungle Book’ and ‘Wicked’.

the night of entertainment will also include hit songs from ‘teen Beach Movie’ and ‘Shania twain’ to name just a few. if that wasn’t enough, An táin Arts Centre will be transported back to the 1960’s where the cast of ‘Hairspray’ take to the stage to perform the most popular songs from the hit musical.

“We are so excited about this year’s show ‘Dancing With OUr Stars’,” said Freda Hearty. “everyone has worked so hard and we can’t wait to show off these fantastic kids on stage once again. After the tremendous success of our sold-out Christmas show ‘Best Christmas ever, ‘Dancing With OUr Stars’ is going to be the show of the year and is not to be missed. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.”