Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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1160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to extend the additional college places into the 2022-2023 academic year given the leaving certificate points inflation; if additional places will be secured for 2022-2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1309/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am very conscious of the pressures faced by students who are due to take their Leaving Certificate examinations in 2022, and the concerns they have around access to third level education. In relation to entry to higher education, my Department will be closely monitoring any potential impact that the level of CAO applications or Leaving Certificate grades may have on entry to further and higher education in 2022.

A key goal of mine is to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to pursue educational pathways which allow them to achieve their full potential. Budget 2022 included funding for additional capacity in the higher education sector, as demographics will continue to drive expansion in that area.

We are also working to promote a broader view of third level education, and to enhance the visibility of further education and training, and apprenticeship options for school leavers. To help them make the most informed choice possible, school leavers are now able to explore all of the options across the third level system, whether in higher education, further education or apprenticeship options, from the CAO website – www.cao.ie/options. I encourage this year's Leaving Certificate students to consider all the paths available to them.

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1161. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if CAO applications for 2022 and beyond will seamlessly facilitate students whose names may be presented in Irish even if names are presented in English in other State systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1311/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a not-for-profit company created by the Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It processes applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on the behalf of HEIs.  Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. My Department does not have a role in the operation of the CAO, and queries on how the CAO system operates can be best answered by the organisation itself. The CAO can be contacted via the portal on its website www.cao.ie.