Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
106. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the NCAD MSc in medical device design, summer courses; the plan in place for the summer courses; when the students will return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12556/20]
View answer226. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the HEA has not issued guidance to NCAD, Dublin, on the running of the MSc in medical device design, which normally runs through the summer until 20 August; the return date for students on the course; if they will be provided a refund in view of them being unable to fulfil in-class practical work; when summer courses are expected to commence more generally; the public health advice for running such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12355/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 226 together.
To assist with the development of plans for the re-opening and operation of higher education in an environment that may require social distancing and other public health requirements, my Department is engaging with relevant stakeholders from the higher education sector. This work is ongoing, and it is hoped that a communication for the sector will be published in the coming weeks.
However higher education institutions are autonomous bodies, and therefore are entitled to regulate their own administrative affairs. Decisions on how courses will operate will be made by each institution, and arrangements will vary between institutions and between courses. Therefore NCAD is best placed to provide you with information on the status of the course in question.
