Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 September 2022
300. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the decision regarding students of a third level institution (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46552/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the decision by DBS to withdraw its Applied Social Care degree from consideration for approval by CORU, I asked my officials to assess the situation in order to better understand the options available to these students and seek a satisfactory solution. Engagements have been ongoing between my Department's officials, the Department of Health, CORU, QQI and DBS, and all relevant parties will continue to work to identify a way forward for affected students.
I understand that DBS has been meeting with its students on an individual basis to explore their options and I understand these options primarily include the refund of fees paid or the transfer to another social care programme where possible and suitable. Both QQI and CORU are working with DBS and other programme providers to support and facilitate the transfer of students where they have chosen this option and these engagements are ongoing.
The options available to students will depend on what stage their studies are at, and some students may have more than one option available to them. I encourage the affected students to remain in close contact with DBS regarding this issue, as they are best placed to provide updates as to the options available.
