Third Level Admissions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Ceisteanna (1303)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

1303. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that foreign students who wish to study medicine in Ireland do not have to undergo the health professions admission test exam in order to avail of a college place; and if he perceives any discrimination between the process afforded to international students vs Irish EU students in terms of gaining access to third level medical courses In Ireland in respect of HPAT requirements. [42364/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are governed by the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technologies Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Within the meaning of these Acts, HEIs are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs. This includes 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 HEIs.  The HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test) is independently administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) on behalf of the universities’ medical schools and the RCSI.  The selection criteria and process for admission to medical schools is a matter for the universities and the RCSI in line with their statutory autonomy in relation to academic affairs. Neither I nor my Department have a role in these matters.