Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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517. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which adequate space will be ensured in the CAO process for the 2021/2022 academic year, in view of the fact that there may be an increase in deferred applications and an increase in international places, to ensure that those studying the leaving certificate in 2020/2021 will have adequate access. [14655/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Higher education institutions are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs including admissions procedures. The CAO processes applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on behalf of the HEIs.  Decisions on admissions, including the number of places, are made by the HEIs which then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. This will remain the case for the 2021/2022 academic year.

Given the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic is difficult to make predictions changes in enrolments in third-level institutions in the 2020/2021 academic year, such as increased deferrals or decreased international enrolments. Arrangements for the 2021/2022 academic  year will be examined the context of such changes when their extent becomes clear.