Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has monitored any changes or requirements in the points system with a view to identifying the most effective and streamlined system for admission to third level education; if comparisons have been made with other jurisdictions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43372/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department is in discussion with all of the relevant bodies, including the universities, on the full range of issues related to the transition to higher education which are identified in the NCCA-HEA report published following the Transitions conference last September. It will submit a report for me on all proposals for change, including timeframes for implementation early in the New Year. In this regard I have received an interim report from the Irish Universities Association of their consideration of the NCCA-HEA Transitions report . They have also informed me that they are working to develop more specific proposals in relation to changes to the third level entry mechanism. The NCCA and the State Examinations Commission is also undertaking work in relation to proposals in the Transitions report about the Leaving Cert assessment process.