Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
359. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some colleges are operating a system of a fixed number of places for mature students, HEAR and DARE applicants collectively (details supplied); his plans to change the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37857/17]
View answerThe DARE scheme is a third-level admissions scheme for students with a disability offering places on reduced points basis to school leavers with disabilities who are under 23. HEAR is a college and university admissions scheme offering places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantages backgrounds.
The DARE HEAR schemes have been operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) and regulated by the higher education institutions themselves and not by my Department. The operational management of DARE HEAR has transferred from the Shared Services Unit in the IUA to the CAO.
