Higher Education Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2015

Thursday, 2 July 2015

Ceisteanna (207)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

207. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason all class H occupations are excluded from the higher education access route programme, in view of the disparate nature of skill and income levels among own account works; the reason the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 for inclusion in the programme was denied, due to the person's parent's occupation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26791/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university admissions scheme which offers places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions are regulated by the institutions themselves.

Individual students who have queries on this matter can contact HEAR Higher Education Institutions directly. The Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association in this instance.