Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
441. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the delay in receiving leaving certificate calculated grades will impact on students that have applied to study at an EU member state university many of whom require results in August 2020 to secure an offer of a place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18194/20]
View answerGenerally, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs including admissions procedures, and as such, have administrative policies and deadlines in place to ensure that teaching and learning is delivered in a consistent manner to all of their students. All EU Member States have challenges similar to ours in addressing the concerns of students this year due to the COVID pandemic.
On 21st July, I wrote to the Ministers with responsibility for higher education in all of the EU Member States, advising them of the date of issue of the 2020 Leaving Certificate results. I asked the Ministers that their authorities, including their universities, give special consideration and flexibility to Irish students who may not have their Leaving Certificate results in time to complete the processing of their admissions at the usual time.
