Third Level Qualifications Recognition

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Questions (239)

Gerry Adams

Question:

239. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the problem faced by Irish graduates who seek employment in the Middle East because the parchment issued on graduation only states that they have received a BSc and does not state the discipline-field of study; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that because of this omission the parchment, as it is written, is not recognised in any part of the Middle East meaning graduates are unable to secure employment, where available; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17618/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Universities and Institutes of Technology are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and the Institutes of Technology Act 2006 respectively. The management of their academic affairs, including such matters as the parchments issued to graduates, are matters for the individual institutions concerned. Neither I nor my Department have any involvement in the formatting of parchments issued to graduates by third level institutions.