The majority of Leaving Cert candidates who applied for exam support were granted one or more supports last year, according to new figures released by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).

The figures show that, in 2014, 8,857 candidates with a range of disabilities, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, visual impairments and physical disabilities, applied under the “reasonable accommodation” scheme. Of these, 7,664 (86.5 per cent) were granted an exam support, while 1,193 (13.5 per cent) were refused.

A total of 61 parents complained to the Ombudsman last year about the SEC’s decision not to provide their child with an exam support.