Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

107. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the areas of concentrated disadvantage in County Kildare are broken down for the assessment of higher education access route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31612/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) college admissions scheme is operated and regulated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department.

The HEAR is a college and university admissions scheme which offers places on the basis of lower Leaving Certificate points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.  The universities collaborate in operating the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) scheme through the CAO. 

HEAR Applicants must meet a range of financial, social and cultural indicators to be considered for a reduced points place and extra college support.

I understand that for the purposes of HEAR, the Pobal HP Deprivation Index is used in the assessment of applications. Applicants are coded on the basis of Small Area and are deemed as meeting the HEAR Indicator if their address is in an area designated as disadvantaged, very disadvantaged or extremely disadvantaged. For more information please access the following website:

For information on the administration and operation of this scheme, the Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association.