asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware, in relation to the allocation of third level places, that the grade-related point system is very unsatisfactory in that it is both educationally unfair and places enormous and unnecessary pressure on many teachers, students and their families; and whether a percentage-related system together with an interview to assess a student's suitability for particular courses would be a fairer and more satisfactory way of allocating such places.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allocation of Third Level Places.
16.
In relation to entry requirements and selection procedures the third level educational institutions are autonomous, operate under their own regulations and my Department do not have a function in the matter.
However, a working group have been established within my Department to examine the admission procedures used by these institutions and the point raised by the Deputy will have to be looked at by this group.
It is important to emphasise that changes in the existing procedures could only be made following consultation and agreement with the authorities of the institutions involved.
I note that the working group have been set up recently, but do they have a time remit?
I am not aware that there is a specific time scale, but as the Deputy is aware, admission procedures are complex and technical. I am sure a great number of submissions will come in for the working group's consideration. Naturally, it is the hope of the Department that these matters will be dealt with in the shortest possible time, but I cannot give a time limit.
May I urge the Minister of State to bring it to the Minister's attention that this is the biggest problem relating to third level entry because there is a multiplicity of choices, a multiplicity of institutions and various systems of entry? This is causing great hardship and anguish to young people in particular. Would the Minister of State bend his mind and undoubted talents to ensure that there would be a time limit on the deliberations of this working group and try to ensure that their recommendations could be studied and put in train prior to the student intake for the next academic year?
I will bear the Deputy's comments in mind. It would be unfair to comment on one particular system against the other until the various options have been discussed and decided on.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the implications of the Government's announcement last night about the social welfare cuts.
I will communicate with the Deputy.