Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allocation of Third Level Places.
- Allocation of third-level places 6 speeches
The exchange questions the fairness and pressure caused by grade-based points and proposes percentage-based assessment with interviews. The Minister says institutions control admissions, while a departmental working group will examine procedures; he cannot set a deadline, though he will convey the urgency of completing its work before the next intake.
Mary Harney, Enda Kenny, Mary O'Rourke
- Social welfare cuts 2 speeches
De Rossa asks to raise the implications of the Government’s social welfare cuts announcement on the Adjournment; the Ceann Comhairle says he will communicate with him.
Proinsias De Rossa, Thomas J. Fitzpatrick
asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware, in relation to the allocation of third level places, that the grade-related point system is very unsatisfactory in that it is both educationally unfair and places enormous and unnecessary pressure on many teachers, students and their families; and whether a percentage-related system together with an interview to assess a student's suitability for particular courses would be a fairer and more satisfactory way of allocating such places.
Comment on this
In relation to entry requirements and selection procedures the third level educational institutions are autonomous, operate under their own regulations and my Department do not have a function in the matter.
However, a working group have been established within my Department to examine the admission procedures used by these institutions and the point raised by the Deputy will have to be looked at by this group.
It is important to emphasise that changes in the existing procedures could only be made following consultation and agreement with the authorities of the institutions involved.
Comment on this
I note that the working group have been set up recently, but do they have a time remit?
Comment on this
I am not aware that there is a specific time scale, but as the Deputy is aware, admission procedures are complex and technical. I am sure a great number of submissions will come in for the working group's consideration. Naturally, it is the hope of the Department that these matters will be dealt with in the shortest possible time, but I cannot give a time limit.
Comment on this
May I urge the Minister of State to bring it to the Minister's attention that this is the biggest problem relating to third level entry because there is a multiplicity of choices, a multiplicity of institutions and various systems of entry? This is causing great hardship and anguish to young people in particular. Would the Minister of State bend his mind and undoubted talents to ensure that there would be a time limit on the deliberations of this working group and try to ensure that their recommendations could be studied and put in train prior to the student intake for the next academic year?
Comment on this
I will bear the Deputy's comments in mind. It would be unfair to comment on one particular system against the other until the various options have been discussed and decided on.
Comment on this
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the implications of the Government's announcement last night about the social welfare cuts.
