Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
523. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a HEAR application initially submitted with the incorrect year of income can be further reviewed following an unsuccessful application and appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43851/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the HEAR and DARE schemes are reduced points mechanisms for entry into higher education. Both schemes are managed and operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) on behalf of the higher education institutions who are autonomous bodies. Admissions under the schemes are regulated by the higher education institutions themselves. Each institution determines its own admissions policy in relation to the schemes, the number of places they reserve and the allocation of those places.
Applications to the schemes are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions. As such, my Department has no role in determining the policy criteria or operation of the scheme.
I can however, advise the Deputy that there is a review and appeals process in place; to make sure that all HEAR applicants are treated fairly and that the assessment procedures have been applied consistently. Further information on the appeals process is available at: www.accesscollege.ie/hear/making-an-application/hear-review-and-appeals/
Applicants also have recourse to make an appeal to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s service is free, independent and impartial, and the applicant may wish to consider contacting the Ombudsman’s Office to see whether an appeals process is open to him/her.
Further information and contact details for the Ombudsman’s Office are available at: https://www.ombudsman.ie/publications/information-leaflets/The-Ombudsman-and-Education-services.pdf
