Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
426. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if she liaised with her colleague the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to advise on adding extra capacity to high points courses, given the particular conditions of the 2021 leaving certificate with expected higher grades and increase in points with attendant squeeze on places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43569/21]
View answerDepartmental responsibility for issues in relation to entry to further and higher education lies with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
My Department’s planning for the 2021 Leaving Certificate was informed by the advice of an Advisory Group on Planning for State Examinations. The group includes representatives from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science as well as representatives of parents, students, school leadership and management bodies.
My Department has also engaged with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to the Leaving Certificate results, in view of that Department’s role regarding entry to further and higher education. There have been a number of engagements at ministerial and official level, for example, through the cabinet subcommittee on education. This includes engagement in a Transitions Group which met to consider issues regarding the impact of Covid-19 on entry to Further and Higher Education. Membership of this group also includes representatives from the further and higher education authorities and institutions.
