Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1109. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if further places will be made available for third-level medicine courses for the academic year commencing in September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14237/21]
View answer1174. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to prevent a surge in points for high demand courses due to students deferring college places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15901/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1109 and 1174 together.
I am aware of the high number of CAO applications this year, and officials from my Department are engaging regularly with representatives from the higher education sector in relation to the 2021/22 academic year and demand for places.
€18 million has been provided in Budget 2021 to deliver new undergraduate student places from September 2021 which will address demographic growth pressures. These places are in addition to additional places funded through the Human Capital Initiative Pillar 2, which will be on undergraduate courses in areas of identified skills needs.
Nonetheless, there will be fluctuations in CAO points this year, as there are every year, which will depend on the volume of applications, the number of applicants who meet the entry requirements, the number of places available and the grades received by applicants. The CAO process applications for undergraduate courses on behalf of the Higher Education Institutions. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. As such, neither I nor my Department have a role in the operation of the CAO, and it is not with my remit to provide any guarantees as to CAO points in any year.
My officials will continue monitor the situation as it develops and I will take action as necessary to ensure the availability of a full range of further and higher education options for the class of 2021.
