Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - National University of Ireland.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

1201 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to abolish the matriculation requirement for Irish for all young people born in the 32 counties of Ireland for obtaining a place at the colleges of the National University of Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1677/02]

(Dr. Woods): Section 47(1) of the Universities Act, 1997, provides that the determination of the basic matriculation requirements for the constituent universities of the National University of Ireland, NUI, is a matter for the senate of the NUI. There is a general requirement to present the subject Irish for matriculation registration. However, there are a number of situations where candidates can claim an exemption from this requirement, for example, where candidates received their primary education up to the age of 11 years outside the Republic of Ireland.

As the Deputy will appreciate, any question of amending the matriculation requirements is a matter for the senate of the NUI.