PROVISIONAL figures from the Department of Education show there were 10,220 applications for Leaving Certificate rechecks by the August 23rd deadline this year. The 14 per cent increase over last year means that applications - which cost £25 each - have more than trebled in four years.
The Fianna Fail education spokesman, Mr Micheal Martin, said that the increase demonstrated a lack of confidence in the entire marking system.
He said that the 8,930 applications for rechecks last year had been artificially boosted by 359 art result applications arising from criticism of harsh marking.
"The obvious answer is an independent appeals body that would handle all rechecks, appeals and complaints concerning the exam and the marking. With any system, the appeals structure normally is separate to the body that does the initial processing. This is already established in the courts and with social welfare or health benefit disputes.
"There is a lurking suspicion with the exam rechecks. People suspect that no one wants to admit a mistake might have been made. The system would not want to encourage rechecks. Consultants are looking at the whole exam system at the moment and I hope their report will recommend an independent system of appeals."
In 1992, there were 3,243 applications and 381 upgrades. The 1993 figures were 5,915 applications and 479 upgrades and in 1994 there were 6,391 applications and 536 upgrades. Last year, there were 1,018 upgrades. The £25 fee was refunded in these cases.