Third Level Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (215, 274)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

215. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a request by a person (details supplied) on third-level education. [8851/20]

Norma Foley

Ceist:

274. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will engage with third-level institutes and universities to seek clarification regarding their plans for online courses for the 2020/2021 academic year (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9252/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 274 together.

Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes. Therefore the timelines for re-opening, and the manner in which courses are conducted, are a matter for each institution to decide.

The national co-ordination group for tertiary education is meeting on a regular basis to consider key issues impacting the tertiary sector, including arrangements for re-opening institutions. These arrangements will be dependent on public health advice, and will be communicated to learners as soon as possible.