Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
599. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the options available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43613/23]
View answerIt is my understanding that if a student receives an upgrade and the revised result places them higher on the order-of-merit list than the last person who actually got an offer, then the Higher Education Institution will usually instruct CAO to either offer them a place to begin immediately or offer them a place deferred to the next year. I have no role or remit in this regard.
All stakeholders are aware of the dates involved in relation to appeals and CAO offers and communicate throughout the appeals cycle.
It is my understanding that In a small number of cases, an offer of a deferred place may be necessary due to fixed constraints in relation to class sizes, clinical placements or laboratory space, among other issues.
However such measures will only be taken when all other options have been exhausted, and those involved remain committed to ensuring that every possible effort is made to facilitate students in taking up a place that their grades entitle them to.
I understand this can be very distressing for students when this happens and I would encourage HEIs to be as flexible as they possibly can be when these circumstances arise.
