Lauren needs 45-minute exam break to properly reflect her abilities

That gnawing apprehension that plagues the parents of children facing a major exam series is significantly amplified for Siobhán Kavanagh because of her daughter Lauren’s narcolepsy.

One of the unfortunate few to develop the chronic sleep disorder after receiving the Pandemrix vaccine against swine flu, the 15-year-old from Piercestown, Co Wexford, will sit her Junior Certificate in June.

While her school has worked hard to accommodate Lauren’s disorder, Siobhán worries her needs may not be adequately catered for in an exam situation.