Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1429. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures that will be put in place for Irish applicants to courses in the UK through its admission system (details supplied); if Irish applicants will be able to take-up places in UK universities in autumn 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department have been working closely on this issue with their colleagues in the Department of Education as well as the Irish Embassies in key countries of interest to Irish students. This work has been informed by the experience of the 2021 Leaving Certificate.
The main countries of interest for Leaving Certificate students who wish to study abroad are the UK, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
In the context of those students seeking to study in the UK, I note that, following the announcement of the publication date for the Leaving Certificate results by the State Examinations Committee, the CAO have now confirmed the date for the first round offers as 8th September 2022. Within the UCAS system, the current date for the acceptance of final offers is 7th September, on which date the UK Higher Education Institutions start working through clearances (similar to the rounds system in the CAO). Therefore there is no issue in terms of Irish students meeting the UCAS deadline. I can confirm that officials from both my Department and the Department of Education have been in touch with UCAS on the matter.
In addition, I understand that Minister Foley has written to all EU Ministers for Education and has advised them of the date for issue of the Leaving Cert results this year. The Minister has also requested that they give consideration to Irish students who may not have their Leaving Certificate results in time to complete the processing of their admissions at the usual time in the systems of each EU country.
My Department is aware that there are a small number of Higher Education Institutions in the UK that have set a deadline of 31st August. We are therefore recommending that each student get in touch with the Admissions Officer in the university or college where they have registered and appraise them of the position regarding Leaving Certificate results. Should students encounter any issue, they should email LCinfo@education.gov.ie and the Department of Education, in collaboration with my Department will work to address their concern.
