Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012
216 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the requirement for a foreign language at leaving certificate level for a degree course at National University Ireland colleges; and if there are plans to change this criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9220/12]
View answerUnder the Universities Act 1997 the universities are autonomous and academically independent institutions. The establishment of entry requirements for third level programmes is therefore entirely a matter for the institutions themselves. While a third language has been a standard requirement for entry to NUI colleges, I understand that in recent years the universities have dropped this requirement for some courses, including science and engineering related courses, in order to encourage greater uptake.
