Written answer
Education Standards
Students whose Leaving Certificate results improve on appeal can be considered for later CAO offers where places or capacity remain, though some may only receive deferred places if appeals arrive after key rounds. The Minister acknowledged the disadvantage and urged institutions to act flexibly, while noting his Department does not control examination or academic-year scheduling.
4111. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of additional higher-education places being identified or protected for students whose appeals in terms of their initial Leaving Certificate results are successful; the arrangements that are in place to ensure that such students are considered for courses for which their revised points would have made them eligible at an earlier stage of the CAO process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63960/26]
Comment on this
4112. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he accepts that the issuing of Leaving Certificate appeal results on 25 September 2026, after four rounds of CAO offers have taken place, creates a potential disadvantage for students whose grades and CAO points increase on appeal; what measures are being taken to ensure that such students are given the same opportunity to secure their preferred higher education course as students who held the equivalent grade and points before the CAO process commenced, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63959/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 4111 and 4112 together.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the delivery of the State examinations, including the timing of the Leaving Certificate appeals process. My Department has no role in the scheduling of this process or in the scheduling of the academic year for higher education institutions.
Arrangements are in place within the CAO system to ensure that applicants who secure an improved grade on appeal can be considered for subsequent CAO offer rounds. Where places remain available, or where additional capacity arises, eligible applicants may receive a revised offer in later rounds. Most applicants who receive an improved grade on appeal are accommodated through these processes in the current academic year.
It is recognised, however, that due to the sequencing of these processes, there may be limited instances where an applicant’s upgraded result issues after key CAO rounds have concluded, and where it is not possible to join the current academic year. In such cases, higher education institutions may make provision for a deferred place, allowing the applicant to take up their programme in the following academic year.
I have significant sympathy for this cohort of students, and I understand that it is disappointing not to be able to take up one's preferred course in the immediate term. I have asked the higher education institutions to be as flexible as possible in order to minimise the cases where this occurs.
My Department remains committed to supporting student’s access to further and higher education, including through the development of alternative pathways outside of the CAO system and the expansion of capacity in high-demand courses.