David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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190. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); if it is possible for student to elect to graduate early with a level 7 BA degree instead of continuing for a further year during a level 8 BA Hons course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24805/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Waterford Institute of Technology is autonomous within the meaning the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006. Under this legislation WIT is independent and is entitled to regulate its own academic affairs and administrative processes, including in relation to the awarding of degrees. It is not within my remit to intervene in these matters.

WIT is a prescribed public body under the remit of the Office of the Ombudsman and as such the Ombudsman may examine complaints from members of the public who believe that they have been unfairly treated by certain prescribed bodies. If a student feels that they have been unfairly treated by or are not satisfied with a higher education institution’s decision, it is open to them to contact the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints about administrative actions or procedures as well as undue delays or inaction. The Ombudsman provides an impartial, independent and free dispute resolution service.