A Government employee has been questioned over a mix-up that left several schoolchildren in tears during a televised general knowledge quiz.

Some students failed to receive research material prior to the National Quiz Contest for Schools, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sport, in March.

And several burst into tears when they were then unable to answer questions during the competition, which was broadcast live to the nation.

An investigation into the mix-up later revealed that photocopies of the research material had been sent to all schools taking part in the competition -- but an administrative mix-up meant that not all schools received the full quota of facts.

Now the secretary to the Director of the Department of Youth and Sport, Leleath Bailey, has herself been quizzed over the error.

And, although it is still unclear whether Ms Bailey could be reprimanded over the incident, the Bermuda Public Service Association has been called in on her behalf to hold talks with Government on the issue. Ms Bailey is former president of the BPSA.

Last night an association insider confirmed that talks would be going ahead with Government officials later this week. But the source declined to comment on the nature of the negotiations.

"All I can say is that there is going to be another meeting between ourselves and Government about the quiz mix-up,'' the source said.

"Ms Leleath Bailey was given responsibility to do certain things and someone has got to take responsibility.'' Following the investigation Youth and Sports director Brenton Roberts said: "All schools were affected to varying degrees. The error was due to human oversight and the committee is satisfied that it was not malicious or intentional.

"Apart from myself and the clerical support staff, the committee is made up of volunteers and each of us expect the same standards of care to be applied to our respective roles and tasks. Unfortunately, on this occasion, a human error overshadowed our best intentions.''