Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
307. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the consultation he and his Department have undertaken with the CAO since the announcement to cancel the leaving certificate. [6497/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been engaging on an ongoing basis with stakeholders from the tertiary education system, including the CAO, regarding the implications of the changes to the Leaving Certificate on entry to tertiary education. I am conscious of the desire for clarity with regard to CAO timelines and this is being worked through with our stakeholders. I understand further information on this will be published as soon as details are finalised.
The Deputy should note that Higher Education institutions (HEIs) are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs including admissions procedures. The CAO process applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on behalf of the HEIs. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. As such, neither I as Minister nor my Department have any role in relation to the operation of the CAO.
