1505. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a student (details supplied) cannot defer their third level course. [65334/26]

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Ireland are legally autonomous bodies that manage their own academic affairs and admissions processes, including the procedures for deferred entry.

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is an independent body whose function is to process applications for undergraduate courses on behalf of the HEIs. Decisions on admissions to undergraduate courses and the deferral of CAO offers are made by the HEIs. Neither I nor my Department have a role in these matters.

There is typically a limit on the number of deferrals that can be granted by a HEI in any academic year and therefore deferrals cannot be guaranteed.

I understand that it is disappointing not to be able to defer one's preferred course and I would encourage this student to engage with the Admissions Office in the HEI of interest, which is best placed to advise on other possible options.