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Third Level Admissions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021

Wednesday, 17 February 2021

Ceisteanna (554, 566, 567)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

554. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to deal with the high number of CAO applications. [7939/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

566. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure fair competition for college places due to a record number of CAO applications from the 2021 cohort, deferred students from 2020 and those students who were awarded higher points on review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8284/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

567. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure place availability for the leaving certificate class of 2021 at higher education; if his attention has been drawn to the record number of CAO applications; the engagement his Department has had with higher level institutions to ensure sufficient places for such record demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8287/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 554, 566 and 567 together.

I am conscious of the impact that Covid-19 has had on the leaving certificate class of 2021, and will take action as necessary to ensure that a full range of further and higher education options are available to them.

I am aware of the high number of CAO applications this year, and my officials are engaging regularly with representatives from the higher education sector in relation to the 2021/22 academic year and demand for places. Information will become available next month on the types of applicants in the current year, and the courses they are choosing which will assist us in planning for the current year.

Funding was provided in Budget 2021 to both sustain additional undergraduate places and address demographic growth pressures. These places are in addition to the 1,330 additional places commencing in 2021, funded through the Human Capital Initiative Pillar 2, which will be on undergraduate courses in areas of identified skills needs.

I know how difficult a time it has been for students and parents, and my Department will continue to closely assess demand for higher education places and take action as necessary to ensure that this year's Leaving Certificate students have a range of pathways into further and higher education.

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