Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent by each Irish University on awarding honorary degrees in each of the years from 2005 to 2010 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1166/11]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, an honorary degree is an academic degree for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived the usual requirements, such as matriculation, residence, study and the passing of examinations. The degree is typically a doctorate or, less commonly, a master's degree, and may be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the academic institution. Usually the degree is conferred as a way of honouring a distinguished visitor's contributions to a specific field, or to society in general. The university may derive benefits by association with the person in question. Some universities present honorary degrees as part of wider degree awarding ceremonies, while others may hold special ceremonies for such recipients. The exact cost of such ceremonies is not readily available as it is not identified separately by Universities.