Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raised this Commencement matter because the issue in question is coming to the fore. Many students, educationalists and teachers in the North are noticing and falling foul of a particular anomaly where there is a difference in the recognition of the A-level grading system by institutions in the South. This has only been exacerbated by Brexit. Students are genuinely concerned about their ability to access courses in the South. Will the A-level grades they achieve in the North be treated with the limited degree of equality they have currently? Will they instead fall victim to Brexit and be put at a greater disadvantage?

Several teachers and academic institutions have raised another issue concerning the A-level PE subject in the North. It is not accepted by universities in the South for entry into courses at degree level, including, rather strangely, sports courses. That is a bit like A-level history not being accepted for a history degree course. Over the past several years, the top academic schools in the North have put a large emphasis on the importance of PE, not just in a young person's personal development but also as a significant science-based subject. A-level PE is recognised as a core subject by Queen's University Belfast and other major universities in the North for entry into a medical degree.I am sure the Minister of State will appreciate that these anomalies are quite difficult and cause students problems. I look forward not only to hearing the Minister of State's response today but working with her, her Department and her officials in trying to rectify some of these issues.