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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Points System.

Dan Neville

Question:

896 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the report of the commission on the points system; his views on the issues raised and the recommendations contained in the report. [24315/00]

The report of the Commission on the Points System, which was published last December, made recommendations in relation to a wide range of complex issues including lifelong learning, access to third level education for mature students, students from disadvantaged backgrounds and students with disabilities, entry to healthcare courses, the leaving certificate grades and points system and many other topics.

I support the commission's main recommendation that the points system be retained on the basis that it is well established, is broadly fair and transparent and is generally accepted by the public at large. Since the report was published, consultations have taken place with the Higher Education Authority, third level institutions and other interested parties on an implementation strategy with a view to addressing weaknesses and drawbacks in the present system while retaining its strengths.

The following are some of the key issues which have been addressed since the report was published. I have established an action group, chaired by Dr. Cormac MacNamara, to advise me on the development of a co-ordinated national framework to promote the participation at third level of students with disabilities, students from disadvantaged backgrounds and mature second chance students, building on the experience of current initiatives.

The group will have specific regard to the objectives on third level access in the national development plan and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, as well as the recommendations of the points commission. The action group held its first meeting on 14 September and has been asked to report within three months.

The Higher Education Authority has been asked to establish a committee, as recommended by the commission, to explore the issue of introducing a preliminary third level course in life sciences as a prerequisite for entry into the healthcare courses.

Following careful consideration of the recommendation in the report of the Commission on the Points System that the bonus marks for answering through Irish in the leaving certificate should be abolished, I have decided to retain the present system of awarding bonus marks. In taking this decision, I took account of the wider issues of public policy towards the Irish language, not least the fact that this is a valuable incentive which encourages wider usage of Irish in education and gives due recognition to the extra effort put in by those studying through the medium of Irish.

Remaining recommendations in relation to higher education are generally the responsibility of third level institutions. I have asked the Higher Education Authority to examine in detail the relevant recommendations of the report. The authority has sought meetings with the representative bodies of the main providers of higher education to discuss the issues involved and the arrangements which should be put in place to progress matters.
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