I raise an issue relating to a small category of people who are facing a significant injustice. The Irish Times yesterday reported the case of Mr. Finn Robertson, a 17 year old from Dungarvan, who will not receive an estimated grade for politics in the leaving certificate because he is self-taught. He now believes he will not get the points he needs to study politics and journalism in the University of Limerick. I also give the example of Kinga Szalaj who wants to study medicine. She completed her leaving certificate last year and while she received good points, it was not enough to get her into a medical degree. She taught herself at home with the help of homeschool.ie and themathstutor.ie because she could not afford grinds. Her health professions admission test, HPAT, results were excellent - in the 92nd percentile - but because she does not qualify for a calculated grade, she will miss out on the opportunity to study medicine despite those excellent results. Does the Taoiseach accept that those students are facing an injustice? Will he engage with them to try to find a solution for them so that they do not miss out on places in third level through no fault of their own?

I will engage with the relevant Department. One must be balanced about the leaving certificate and the allocation of third level places because there are many competing rights. What is done to affirm and help people in one area could have the unintended consequence of undermining the rights of others and their access to places in medicine or other courses. I make that general point.

When estimated grades emerged as a solution, it was clear that problems would emerge. That said, mechanisms exist within the third level sector to facilitate access for students from specific backgrounds and contexts through the disability access route to education, DARE, project and others. I will have to engage with the Department to see if some resolution can be found.

Will the Taoiseach ensure that the relevant Minister engages with this category of student?

The Deputy is talking about students who have been taught at home. I know from experience that there is no easy answer.

I ask the Taoiseach to ensure engagement with the Minister.

Of course we can engage, but I am talking about the allocation of third level places.

I thank the Taoiseach. We cannot have a further debate on the matter.