Third Level Examinations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Questions (756)

Michael Ring

Question:

756. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of exams (details supplied) that have experienced computer glitches and therefore could not be completed by applicants in the past five years, in tabular form; what remedies have been taken to resolve these computer glitches; the steps that have been taken for the persons affected by these computer glitches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18977/24]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The HPAT is independently administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) on behalf of the universities’ medical schools and the RCSI. The selection criteria and process for admission to medical schools is a matter for those institutions in line with their statutory autonomy in relation to academic affairs. Neither the Minister nor the Department has a function in these matters and it is not within our remit to intervene in the HPAT examination process.

Complaints regarding the admission to the medical schools, including in relation to the HPAT, are best directed to ACER itself, or the universities medical schools and the RCSI.

It is stated on the ACER website that any technical issues during the test should be reported to the proctor immediately. Further information regarding the complaints and appeals policy of ACER is available at www.hpat-ireland.acer.org/complaints-and-appeals.