Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
212. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timetable for third level students due to graduate in 2020 but awaiting the completion of their practicum placements; the way in which the matter will be addressed for current third level students particularly those due to commence their final year. [22706/20]
View answerHigher education institutions are autonomous bodies and as such are academically independent and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes. Therefore responsibility for placements, examinations and assessments rests ultimately with each individual institution.
The national co-ordination group for tertiary education, which includes representatives from my Department and third level institutions, is meeting regularly to discuss key issues in the tertiary sector including issues around courses and placements.
It is understood that most professional, regulatory and statutory bodies (PRSBs) have been very understanding and flexible in ensuring that students referred to by the Deputy could complete their required professional placements and graduate early this summer, however there are a number of cases where protocols on placement are still under development by regulators. I understand that work is ongoing to apply and integrate such protocols into programme timetables.
For those students commencing their final year and whose placements may have been disrupted during the penultimate year, it is understood that suitable accommodations have been found between each PRSB and the Higher Education providers of those programmes. This is to ensure that these students can continue and complete their programmes without further unnecessary obstacles.
