Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

During the year, everyone here welcomed the fact that the Minister for Education and Science and the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children indicated collectively that the intake for medical schools would be increased, or doubled, in future. They said that, starting in October this year, there would be an additional intake of approximately 70 students. However, certain suggestions being made by vested interests are worrying to say the least. They are saying that in addition to achieving a minimum of 450 points in the leaving certificate, there will also be an aptitude test. Changing the points system specifically for entry to various medical degree and diploma courses downgrades the leaving certificate results. Aptitude tests would also create a wider interpretation of entry requirements than currently exists.

Over the years, the Minister for Education and Science has supported increased opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. I do not know how a mechanism can be found to level the playing pitch for all students seeking entry to medical schools if aptitude tests are to be introduced and there is no recognition of people from disadvantaged backgrounds. I ask that we would have clarification from the Minister for Education and Science and-or the Tánaiste with regard to the acceptance of the findings of the report of the special group recently put together.