I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 42 together.
Higher education institutions have delegated to the CAO the task of processing applications to their undergraduate courses and as autonomous institutions are responsible for setting their own eligibility and other entry criteria. Higher Education institutions are currently considering and progressing implementation of the recommendations of the report arising from the joint HEA-NCCA conference on the transition between second and third level.
While the entry systems to third level in Ireland and in the UK are inevitably different, the opportunity for Irish students to study in the UK, and the reciprocal arrangements for UK students, are greatly valued as contributing to and adding value to the close ties between Ireland and the UK.