Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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93. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42625/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Universities and Institutes of Technology in Ireland are statutorily independent institutions. Admission is a matter for each individual institution and my Department does not have the authority to intervene in the admissions process.

I understand that the practice in a number of Higher Education Institutions in relation to candidates with successful Leaving Certificate appeals is to consider each on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to the availability of a place on a relevant course in the current academic year and also the best interests of the student. Where a student becomes eligible for a particular course arising from a successful appeal, and a place is not available in the current year or it is considered not in the student's best interest to join the course during the current year, the student is entitled to a deferred place for the following academic year.

The Deputy will be aware of the decision from a recent High Court Judicial Review which related to Leaving Certificate examination results, the appeals process, and the offer of places in higher education. Department officials are engaging with representatives of higher education institutions and the State Examinations Commission to identify and address the necessary steps arising from the judgement.