Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

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.

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