Seán Sherlock
Ceist:524. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of extending paid maternity to 12 months. [24148/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaternity Leave
Ceisteanna (524)
Freagraí scríofa
Maternity benefit is a payment made for 26 weeks to employees and those in self-employment who are on maternity leave and who satisfy certain pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. A decision to extend the period of maternity leave for employees would have to be implemented by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, who has policy and legal responsibility for this area. An extension of this leave would require careful consideration and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
In 2020 it is estimated that my Department will spend in excess of €270 million on maternity benefit in respect of an average of 21,000 recipients per week. Increasing the benefit to 52 weeks would double the costs of the existing scheme in a full year and would require a maternity benefit provision of €540 million. This estimate is based on the cost for a full year and assumes that any increase in duration is implemented from the beginning of the year.
There would be additional costs to employers as these estimates do not include the costs for substitution or salary top-ups. Exchequer staffing costs are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Back to Education Allowance
Ceisteanna (525, 526)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:525. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection if it will be ensured that means testing for the back to education allowance includes childcare costs. [24178/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHolly Cairns
Ceist:526. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection if it will be ensured that means testing for back to education allowance includes mortgage payment costs. [24179/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 526 together.
The back to education allowance (BTEA) provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments that pursue courses of education at second or third level. The main focus of the BTEA is to assist qualifying applicants to improve their educational qualifications and improve their prospects of gaining employment.
BTEA participants with eligibility based on a qualifying payment must re-establish their entitlement to the qualifying payment at the beginning of each relevant academic year. This includes passing a means test to assess household income. This measure ensures that only participants who continue to satisfy the conditions of their primary payment, including those relating to the means test, will continue to receive income support under BTEA and that resources are directed at those most in need of assistance.
The BTEA was never intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system. The student universal support Ireland (SUSI) grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills represents the primary support for persons pursuing education.
The cost of education allowance of €500 per academic year is payable to all BTEA customers who are in a full-time day course with a qualified child payment on their claim subject to fulfilling all conditions on the primary scheme.
As part of the July stimulus package, the Government announced an extension of BTEA supports to recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment to take up education.
I trust this clarifies the matter at this time.
Questions Nos. 527 and 528 answered with Question No. 521.
Family Resource Centres
Ceisteanna (529)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:529. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if he will review the funding mechanism for family resource centres and other types of facilities with the view to ring-fencing long-term funding to ensure the services can continue to operate into the future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23420/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, I greatly value the work of Family Resource Centres and the many other organisations providing services to children, families and communities across the country.
I am acutely conscious of the challenges posed for service planning by the annual nature of the budgetary cycle. The management of grant funding is governed by Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 13/2014 Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds which requires that all grants be expended by year end. While I would welcome further discussion in relation to this, the Public spending code and a move to providing long term or multi-annual funding is a matter for central Government and will require significant cross-government and legislative consideration.
Since 2014, the number of grant funded agencies (section 56 and 59), including Family Resource Centres and other community and voluntary organisations funded by Tusla, has increased, as has the total amount of funding provided. My Department and Tusla have worked to promote investment in Prevention and Early Intervention, as well as develop a commissioning approach to ensure that funding and resources available to children and families, are used in the most effective, equitable and sustainable way possible.
I will be seeking additional funding in Budget 2021, to ensure that these agencies and organisations continue to be supported in the coming year.
Social Workers Register
Ceisteanna (530)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:530. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the number of children in northern areas of Dublin waiting to be allocated a social worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23442/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (531)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:531. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if capital funding is available for community childcare facilities to improve facilities such as access to toilets in order that they can continue to offer their full range of services such as breakfast clubs and afterschool care (details supplied). [23490/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 10 June 2020, my Department announced a €75m package of funding to facilitate the reopening of early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services.
The new funding package contains a number of significant elements including a once-off reopening support payment (RSP), a once-off COVID-19 capital grant and continued access for eligible providers to the Revenue-operated Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
The purpose of the COVID-19 Capital Grant is to contribute towards the capital costs associated with the reopening of ELC and SAC, this includes items such as sinks, toilets, washing machines, enabling services to make modifications to their facilities to ensure compliance with the government’s public health advice for childcare services.
The closing date for both the RSP and the Covid-19 capital grant has been extended from 28 August to 18 September 2020.
My Department continues to provide funding for all ELC and SAC subsidy schemes for the 2020/21 programme year at existing capitation and subsidy rates.
As part of the July stimulus package childcare services now have access to the Revenue operated Employment Wage Subsidy scheme (EWSS). A special exemption for early learning and childcare services to the 30% turnover rule within EWSS has been included to recognise the need to retain capacity in the sector and support parents to access childcare places and get back to work.
My Department oversees a Case Management process through which local City and County Childcare Committees (CCC’s) and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to early learning and care services who may need assistance.
Financial supports, which may also be accessed through the Case Management process, are available for community services presenting with sustainability issues and following a financial assessment by Pobal.
Pobal co-ordinate the overall case management process with the CCC administering initial, and on-going, case management assistance. The CCC, where appropriate, will proceed to make a formal notification to Pobal who will provide more consolidated support while verifying the service’s necessity for a financial intervention. All services who require support should contact their local CCC in the first instance. The contact details for all CCCs can be found on www.myccc.ie.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (532)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:532. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the supports he will consider for villages such as Kilmihil, County Clare, in which there is significant demand for a breakfast club and after-school club for children whose parents are struggling to find childcare. [23628/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 10 June 2020, my Department announced a €75m package of funding to facilitate the reopening of early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services.
The new funding package contains a number of significant elements including a once-off reopening support payment (RSP), a once-off COVID-19 capital grant and continued access for eligible providers to the Revenue-operated Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
The closing date for both the RSP and the Covid-19 capital grant has been extended from 28 August to 18 September 2020.
My Department continues to provide funding for all ELC and SAC subsidy schemes for the 2020/21 programme year at existing capitation and subsidy rates.
As part of the July stimulus package childcare services now have access to the Revenue operated Employment Wage Subsidy scheme (EWSS). A special exemption for early learning and childcare services to the 30% turnover rule within EWSS has been included to recognise the need to retain capacity in the sector and support parents to access childcare places and get back to work.
My Department oversees a Case Management process through which local City and County Childcare Committees (CCC’s) and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to early learning and care services who may need assistance.
Financial supports, which may also be accessed through the Case Management process, are available for community services presenting with sustainability issues and following a financial assessment by Pobal.
Pobal co-ordinate the overall case management process with the CCC administering initial, and on-going, case management assistance. The CCC, where appropriate, will proceed to make a formal notification to Pobal who will provide more consolidated support while verifying the service’s necessity for a financial intervention. All services who require support should contact their local CCC in the first instance. The contact details for all CCCs can be found on www.myccc.ie.
A significant range of online resources and guidance available to support service providers, practitioners and parents to prepare for the safe reopening of ELC and SAC settings, including childminders, are available in the Guidance for Reopening webpage on the First 5 website.
My Department will run a new capital programme in 2021 details of which will issue to all services later in the year.
If parents or guardians are having difficulty in accessing childcare, they should contact their local County Childcare Committees (CCCs), who will provide them with advice and support on accessing both centre based care and home based options, such as childminders. The contact details for all CCCs can be found on www.myccc.ie.
Departmental Projects
Ceisteanna (533)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:533. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the number of Exchequer-funded projects over €1 billion overseen by his Department; the expected rise in cost in both numerical amount and percentage terms in tabular form, and delays as result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24302/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no Exchequer-funded projects over €1 billion overseen by my Department.
The Revised Estimates for Public Services 2020, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, detail gross expenditure of just over €1.6 billion in respect of my Department for 2020. These Estimates will be presented to the Dáil shortly. The Department's expenditure covers a number of subheads but the majority of spending is allocated to Tusla and Early Years services. Together these account for 90% of my Department's proposed allocation in 2020, or €1.455bn of the €1.613bn.
As the Deputy will be aware, the functions of my Department will be expanded to include a number of important additional areas. Officials of my Department are currently working with officials in the Departments of Health and Justice to make appropriate arrangements for the transfer of agreed functions in the areas of Disability, Equality and Integration and related allocations.
Student Assistance Fund
Ceisteanna (534)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:534. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a college (details supplied) is on the list of colleges eligible for funding for the Government assistance fund for students to assist them with laptops and other forms of technology; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23286/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of a package of COVID-19 supports for the higher and further education sectors, my Department has allocated €15 million to higher and further education providers for a once-off COVID-19 Grant to support disadvantaged students in accessing ICT devices.
The higher and further education providers will determine which individual students should be prioritised to receive a device on a needs basis and within the terms and conditions of the grant. Students who wish to apply for a device should contact the relevant higher education institution or ETB for further information.
In the higher education sector, grants are made available to those institutions that receive support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). As Carlow College does not receive funding under the SAF it did not come under the terms of the ICT grant.
Third Level Admissions
Ceisteanna (535, 540, 542, 560)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:535. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific provisions he is putting in place in conjunction with third level colleges for CAO applicants who sat their leaving certificate examinations in a year prior to 2020 to ensure that they have an equal opportunity to access a college place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23399/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:540. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if measures can be introduced to ensure that students who sat the leaving certificate in 2019 or earlier are not subjected to the obvious unfairness caused by grade inflation in the 2020 leaving certificate results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23619/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:542. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the process in place for students who deferred their CAO applications until 2020; the way in which they will be dealt with under the standardised grade system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23834/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCathal Crowe
Ceist:560. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which he plans to provide sufficient places on third level courses for the commencement of the 2020-021 academic year for persons who sat the leaving certificate in summer 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24055/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 535, 540, 542 and 560 together.
The CAO system is a system that works on the assumption that grades obtained in the Leaving Certificate by candidates determine their points. It is on this basis that the CAO system allocates places to applicants including those from different years.
For the 2020 CAO system to proceed to pave the way for entry to higher education for the majority of applicants within the current timelines, and in a manner than can be properly upheld, 2020 results and the results of leaving certificate examinations from previous years must be treated equally in the CAO system.
In order to help mitigate the impact of the changes to the grading system, I announced the creation of an additional 2,225 places on high-demand courses in Higher Education Institutions. These places have resulted in the highest ever number of applicants receiving a CAO offers, with 53,815 CAO applicants receiving round one offers on Friday.
Nonetheless, there were fluctuations in CAO points this year, as there are every year. These are dependent on the volume of applications, the number of applicants who meet the entry requirements, the number of places available and the grades received by applicants. As we are in the midst of a global pandemic and economic flux, there is more uncertainty than usual this year due to factors such as reduced opportunities in the economy, students seeking to defer or re-apply in subsequent years and uncertainty around students travelling internationally both to and from Ireland.
The full picture of the CAO 2020 application cycle, taking account of all supply and demand variables, will not be known until all places are filled at the end of the CAO process. My Department will continue to monitor developments closely in collaboration with the higher education sector and the Department of Education.
Third Level Fees
Ceisteanna (536)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:536. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider reducing third level tuition fees in view of the fact that the majority of courses will be taught through blended learning and in many cases exclusively online for the 2020-21 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23520/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Department’s free fees schemes, the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate Higher Education students with students paying the student contribution.
The student contribution fee is currently set at €3,000 per annum and can be paid in instalments. The State pays the contribution in full or part for approximately 44% of students eligible for free fees funding through SUSI.
I am very conscious of the impact of the pandemic has had on our students. In July I announced the provision of additional student assistance including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, and a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education to assist with difficulties in accessing technology to facilitate their course work in a blended capacity. These supports will be distributed through the colleges and further education providers.
The Programme for Government undertakes to provide a long term sustainable funding model for higher education. In addition the range of student supports operated by SUSI will be subject to review. An important objective will be to ensure access to and continued participation in higher education by students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In relation to the preparation underway for the new academic year in the context of the Covid pandemic, Higher Education Institutions have been undertaking detailed planning and contingencies for re-opening and communicating these to students and learners in the interest of public health of students, staff and communities, this will entail blended learning, combining both online and onsite provision.
Higher Education Institutions have published their academic calendars, with information on the dates for orientation and the beginning of teaching for the autumn semester. Most have indicated in broad terms the balance of time for students between on-campus and online learning. I have highlighted the requirement for all HEIs to provide clarity to their students as soon as possible and to prioritise the overall student experience in line with public health advice.
The delivery of further and higher education in the context of Covid-19 will cost the providers more not less. The Government has provided additional funding in the amount of €168m to support the return of students to further and higher education. Since the student contribution is an important source of revenue for higher education it is not possible to abolish student contribution fees. However the additional funding provided for student supports will be of assistance to many students particularly those with the least financial resources.
I will continue to work with further and higher education providers, agencies and key stakeholders including student representatives to mitigate the additional pressures faced as a result of covid-19.
Student Universal Support Ireland
Ceisteanna (537)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:537. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if SUSI legislation will be reviewed regarding the criteria for independent students; the reason persons over 23 years of age are being assessed under their parents' income levels in cases in which they can prove independence for some years; and her views on whether there should be a process that allows the appeal of the status of a person from mature dependent to fully independent (details supplied). [23579/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
For student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, he/she would be assessed as a dependent student, i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address. A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
However, there are points at which a student may reclassify from a dependent student to an independent student. These are where he/she:
- Progresses from further education to higher education.
- Is returning following a 3 year break in studies.
- Is returning as a "second chance" student after a five year break in studies.
For students seeking entry to the 2020/21 scheme as independent, 1 October 2019 would be the relevant date for determining their status. This obviously predates any exceptional circumstances arising from the response to Covid-19 earlier in the current year.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.
The purpose of the Student Grant Scheme is to provide additional assistance where parental income is below a certain threshold, or in the case of independent mature students, where the level of income of the student and his or her spouse warrants additional assistance by way of a grant.
The scheme operates in the context of competing educational priorities and limited public funding. The aim of the scheme is to make a contribution to the cost of going to college; covering the full cost has never been a feasible option.
The eligibility criteria for student grants are reviewed annually by the Department and approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. All proposals made in relation to education expenditure, including student grants for the 2021/22 academic year, will be considered in the context of Budget 2021.
The terms and conditions of the Student Grant Scheme are applied impartially on a national basis, and accordingly it is not possible to make an exception in an individual case, regardless of circumstances.
However, if an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe, (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
Student Universal Support Ireland
Ceisteanna (538)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:538. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a postgraduate student (details supplied) will be considered as an independent student and therefore entitled to a SUSI grant. [23580/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
For student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, he/she would be assessed as a dependent student, i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address. A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
However, there are points at which a student may reclassify from a dependent student to an independent student. These are where he/she:
- Progresses from further education to higher education.
- Is returning following a 3 year break in studies.
- Is returning as a "second chance" student after a five year break in studies.
For students seeking entry to the 2020/21 scheme as independent, 1 October 2019 would be the relevant date for determining their status. This obviously predates any exceptional circumstances arising from the response to Covid-19 earlier in the current year.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.
The grant awarding authority has advised my officials that the student in question was under 23 when she first entered higher education in 2013 and she was classed as a dependent student. While she does meet the age criteria to be classed as independent for the 2020/2021 academic year she does not have the required three year break in studies in order to be re- classed as an independent student under the re-entry criteria.
The terms and conditions of the Student Grant Scheme are applied impartially on a national basis, and accordingly it is not possible to make an exception in an individual case, regardless of circumstances.
However, if the student in question considers that she has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
If the student has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe, (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
Third Level Admissions
Ceisteanna (539)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:539. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of leaving certificate students that received their first preference choice of course in 2020 in comparison to 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23612/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This year in the CAO Round 1 offers, 24,458 students received a first preference offer for a Level 8 course. This is in comparison to 23,129 students last year, an increase of 1,329 or 6% on last year. 28,677 students received a first preference offer for a level 7/6 course, an increase of 1,403 or 5% on last year.
There is some overlap in these categories, as a student can receive a first preference offer for both a level 7/6 and a level 8 course.
Question No. 540 answered with Question No. 535.
Third Level Admissions
Ceisteanna (541)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:541. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a review can be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23709/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are academically independent and have the right to determine the procedures and criteria for the selection and admission of students. The CAO process applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on behalf of the higher education institutions.
Admissions under the alternative routes and schemes, including places for applications under further to higher education access routes are also regulated by the institutions themselves and not by my Department. Each higher education institution determines its own admission policy, the number of places they reserve for these routes and the allocation of those places. Further information on applicants presenting QQI FET/FETAC awards for higher education entry purposes can be found on the CAO’s website at the following link: https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=scoring&s=fetac
Any requests in relation to a specific application should be directed to each of the individual HEIs that were applied to, as neither I nor my Department have a role in this matter.
Question No. 542 answered with Question No. 535.