asked the Minister for Education if he will ensure that third-level educational establishments in receipt of public money give adequate weight, in the selection of applicants, to work experience.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Third-Level Educational Establishments.
15.
The conditions relating to admission to third-level educational establishments generally are determined by the authorities of the institutions concerned, having regard to the nature and scope of the course which each individual applicant desires to pursue.
Would the Minister not agree that there are at least some educational institutions for which he is directly responsible in terms of funding and will he ask those institutions to give appropriate weight to work experience when deciding on applicants for courses? Does he not agree that such an arrangement already exists in the NIHE at Limerick and will he urge the extension of that arrangement to other institutions over which he has some influence?
The Minister is aware of the position in the National Institute for Higher Education in Limerick and can inform the Deputy that there is another college which I hope will prosper where it is also taken into account, namely, the National College of Art and Design—and has the Minister's support.