Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
551. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider a review of the admissions process for International Baccalaureate applying to Irish third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39735/20]
View answerHigher Education Institutions are administratively and academically independent, and have the right to determine their own criteria and procedures for admission. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the determination or review of these admissions processes.
A review of the Leaving Certificate and International Baccalaureate curriculum and examinations across a representative range of subjects was conducted in the 2018 by the higher education sector, led by the IUA, TCD and NUI. As a result of this review the points conversion for the International Baccalaureate applicants to Irish higher education institutions was adjusted. A comprehensive entry document outlining the criteria for EU/EFTA applicants to the higher education institutions, presenting examinations other than Irish Leaving Certificate, including the International Baccalaureate, is available at http://www2.cao.ie/downloads/documents/Guidelines-EU-EFTA.pdf. Criteria for non EU/EFTA students is determined on an individual institutional level.
New International Baccalaureate syllabi have been introduced in English and Mathematics and the higher education sector will examine changes introduced to see if there is a need to update subject-level equivalences or subject specific requirements. Any changes as a result of this will be reflected in the equivalence tables/requirements for admission in 2022. Beyond this no further review is planned.
