Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention was drawn to the fact that UCD had changed its enrolment policy for the 2018-19 academic year; when his attention was further drawn to the fact that this would impact on the ability of students to commence their studies in this academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42083/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Education and Skills was not made aware of the change of policy by UCD, in imposing a deadline of 30 September for acceptance of new entrants. There is no onus on UCD, given its autonomous nature, to advise the DES on its admissions procedures, for which the university itself has legal responsibility.

Officials of my have Department meet with the State Examinations Commission and with the representative bodies for the Universities and Institutes of Technology, with a view to discussing the implications of the court case and to plan for next year. There is a need to ensure that a joined-up approach across the Higher Education Institutes and the SEC is established to address the issues arising. This work commenced recently and is ongoing.