Third Level Admissions Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (291)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

291. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of times during each of the past four years representatives of the NUI group of universities have met to discuss the matter of A level and applied A level subjects recognised for the purposes of matriculation in these institutions; the departmental guidelines governing this practice; his plans to require NUI admissions officers to meet with representatives from the Department of Education in the North regarding the range of A level and applied A level subjects available there and the impact this has on prospective applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46056/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Universities and institutes of technology are autonomous statutory bodies and the recruitment of students and the establishment of admissions criteria are matters for the individual institutions concerned. My Department has no function in relation to such matters. I understand that the list of A Level subjects recognised for NUI matriculation purposes is available on the NUI website: www.nui.ie. Students intending to present a subject not included in the list are advised to contact the NUI or the admissions office of the individual institution to which they intend applying.