122 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will define the criteria of disadvantage in respect of the HEAR programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3274/11]

123 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of recipients for assistance received for 2009 and 2010 in respect of the HEAR programme; if she will indicate the criteria of disadvantage that were assessed for such recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3275/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third-level admissions scheme for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions are regulated by the institutions themselves. The Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association in this instance.