Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
54. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way that his Department is supporting incoming first year students from the national access routes HEAR and DARE; if he is concerned about the impact of orientation programmes for these students due to the release date of the leaving certificate results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36764/22]
View answerThe Higher Education Route (HEAR) and the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) are reduced points mechanisms for entry into Higher Education. Both schemes are operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) on behalf of the higher education institutions who set the policy criteria for the scheme.
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.
It is understood that in relation to HEAR, students who accept a HEAR offer are required to attend a full-time Orientation Programme in the HEI in which they accept a place. The Orientation Programme is a compulsory element of the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR).
In relation to DARE, all students with a verified disability, regardless of whether they come through DARE or not, can avail of a variety of academic, personal and social supports while studying at third level. College supports may include: Orientation programmes; Learning support; Assistive technology; Library support; Exam accommodations; Educational Support Worker.
The post entry supports offered to those entering via HEAR or DARE by Higher Education Institutions are at their own discretion and dependent on their own resources. HEAR and DARE do not seek to prescribe this on behalf of HEIs. My Department has no role in prescribing post-entry supports for HEAR and DARE on behalf of HEIs.
I am confident that HEIs will do their best to adapt to the adjusted timeline and manage their own dates accordingly.
