asked the Minister for Education if he will take steps to ensure that the leaving certificate is accepted for the purpose of entry to any of the universities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acceptance of Leaving Certificate for University Entry.
160.
Mr. O'Malley
The requirements for admission to universities are determined by the university authorities in accordance with the statutory powers conferred on them. As a general principle it would not be proper for me to seek to interfere in questions involving the autonomy of the universities in relation to academic standards.
The Minister has successfully taken on much more difficult tasks. Surely the Minister agrees that there is something wrong when a boy or a girl has to pay an extra £5 to be able to say he or she has got what is called the matriculation certificate.
Mr. O'Malley
The Deputy asked if I would take steps to ensure that the leaving certificate is accepted for the purpose of entry to the university.
In some cases one must have the matriculation certificate to enter a university. The average student who wants to enter a university has got to have a matriculation certificate and he has to pay £5 for it if he has not got the Leaving Certificate. Perhaps I did not phrase the question properly.
Mr. O'Malley
I see the point. You did not. Perhaps the Deputy would repeat the question on a more specific line.
Why is not the leaving certificate accepted for entry into the university in every case?
The two examinations are not the same.
You must have a modern language or Latin.
Mr. O'Malley
That is another question.