Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 230: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason the standard of primary degree needed for the post-graduate medical course at University of Limerick applies only to the first degree achieved by the student concerned; if she will consider, in conjunction with the Irish Association of Universities and the university concerned, allowing the standard achieved by students who have gone on to a subsequent degree to be taken into account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19795/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The position is that when the Graduate Entry Programme in Medicine was introduced in 2007 the particular academic entry requirements were decided upon by the universities involved and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Following careful consideration of the issues involved, and based on international practice and experience, the medical schools decided that candidates must hold a minimum 2.1 (second class honours, grade one) result in their primary honours bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8). As the medical schools are autonomous bodies the entry requirements for any of their programmes are a matter for the institutions themselves. I have no function in the matter.

However, I understand that there is a commitment from the universities and RCSI to examine the new programme within 3 years of its implementation to assess its success and any issues arising. Among the issues expected to be reviewed are the current entry requirements. It is expected that the report of the review group will be available in early summer.