asked the Minister for Education if he will make representations to the governing body of University College, Dublin, to discontinue their entry requirements in respect of qualifications attained in one sitting of the leaving certificate examination, having regard to the fact that this militates against persons who wish to, or need to, accumulate grades over a period of years through evening classes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UCD Entry Requirements.
2.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the arrangement adopted for the placing of candidates in order of merit for the purpose of their selection for places in faculties for which there is competitive entry.
University College, Dublin, discharge their functions in this regard under the relevant statutory authority and regulations made by them are not subject to the sanction of the Minister for Education. I have had inquiries made in the matter, however, and the following information has been supplied.
The college, based on their experience of competitive admission over the last decade, consider the present arrangement concerning the calculation of the point score as being the fairest method in their own circumstances.
The college have, however, always been concerned and given special consideration to various categories of applicants who are not ordinary leaving certificate school leavers. Provisions have been made for: (1) applicants aged 24 years or over without matriculation qualifications; (2) applicants aged 24 years or over with matriculation qualifications for whom there are non-competitive places in several faculties; and (3) NCEA transfer students.
In addition admission to the evening courses in arts, commerce and public administration have not been fully subscribed in recent years. Basic matriculation is sufficient for entry to these courses, and matriculation can always be obtained by accumulating subjects from different examinations. A similar situation has existed for admission to the arts (day) course. So the problem of accumulation has not arisen in these areas.