Third-level entry system simplification
After procedural exchanges about priority questions, De Rossa asked whether simplifying entry meant reducing fees or increasing grants; O’Rourke said fees and grant rates were already announced and admissions procedures were under review. McCartan questioned whether the system favoured better-off applicants, and O’Rourke supported a more coordinated entry system while awaiting the task force’s recommendations.
Am I to take it that the time allotted for my Priority Questions has been taken by the debate on Question No. 4?
Comment on this
The Deputy's Questions, Nos. 46 and 47, which were listed for priority are being taken with Question No. 4 and that is why I asked the Deputy if she wished to put a supplementary question to the Minister.
Comment on this
It is. I will give the Deputy an opportunity to put supplementary questions to the Minister.
Comment on this
My question, No. 4, asked about the promise in the Fianna Fáil manifesto to simplify the entry system to third level education. There was no explanation in the manifesto as to what was meant by "simplified" and I assumed that what was meant was making it easier for students to get into third level education by reducing the fees or increasing the grants. Does the Minister propose to do that before the next academic year?
Comment on this
The fees, and the rate of grant, have been announced. The Deputy asked about the simplification of the entry system and I pointed out that that matter is being considered by the task force. I understood the Deputy to mean that he was concerned about the admission procedures to third level education.
Comment on this
It was slightly mischievous of the Deputy to frame the question in the way he did. The Deputy will be aware that the colleges and the DIT have a simplified system of entry. They deserve great credit for doing that. I hope the task force enlarges on a more coordinated type of third level entry system. In my view this is a little premature because the task force are debating this topic. We should all look forward to their report. I accept that there is great public interest in this matter and I hope the recommendations of the task force are issued very soon.