Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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220. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is aware that the changes to the entrance requirements for universities, which reduce the value of a fourth A level for students from Northern Ireland, will impact on the ability of students in Northern Ireland to access high-point courses here; his plans to rectify this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14583/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I fully support the promotion of better cross border flows of students. However, I must point out that, under the Universities Act 1997, universities in Ireland are autonomous institutions and therefore have responsibility for the day to day management of their own affairs, including issues relating to admissions. Accordingly, the entry requirements for third level education courses are determined by individual higher education institutions. The Central Applications Office (CAO) administer the processing of applications on behalf of the higher education institutions and my Department does not have any role or function in relation to this. However, I can provide you with the following information in relation to the matter raised.

The Irish Universities Association has developed a revised model for converting A-level grades to Leaving Certificate points for the purposes of entry to universities here from 2016. This adjustment will favour A Level students, given the desire of Irish universities to attract more applications from Northern Ireland, and the UK generally, and given that only small numbers of Northern Irish students sit four A Level subjects.

Following a detailed statistical analysis, involving detailed analysis of GCE and A Level participation rates and performances across the UK and in Northern Ireland, and conducted in cooperation with the CCEA in Belfast, it has been agreed that the revised model will increase the points for an A* grade from 150 to 180, for an A from 135 to 150, and make further adjustments to other grades. This will remove a significant disincentive for students who sit only 3 A Level exams, which meant they could not realistically compete for many of the more high-demand courses in Irish universities, and will apply from 2016. The revised model resulting from this work can be found at:

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Because the points for A* have been increased from 150 points to 180 points under the new model, it is necessary to cap the possible points achievable for a fourth subject at 60 points. This is to ensure that the total points which it is possible to achieve is 600 points, which is the maximum which can be achieved by those sitting the Irish Leaving Certificate, or by students presenting with four A* A Levels under the previous model. In developing this model, the universities have endeavoured to ensure equality of opportunity for all applicants, whether they apply with an Irish Leaving Certificate or with a school leaving qualification from the UK or any other EU country.

If you require any further information in relation to this matter you should address your query directly to the Irish Universities Association who will be able to assist you in this regard.