Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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52. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he intends taking to ensure that more students entering third-level education have access to the course of their choice and that the enormous pressure on students to perform well in the leaving certificate would be reduced as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6328/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has one of the most highly education populations in the world, with almost two thirds of students progressing to higher education within five years of completing their secondary education. The majority of CAO offers are for a first preference course, and about 80% of applicants receive at least one offer. Last year more applicants than ever before were offered and accepted a place in higher education.

I am conscious of the disruption that this year’s Leaving Certificate students have faced in their education, and the pressure this places on them. My officials are engaging with representatives from the higher education sector on the potential for development of targeted additional higher education places this year. The intention is that these will focused on areas where there is a need for highly skilled graduates, for example healthcare, construction and the green economy.

I agree with the Deputy about the stress which students feel, and I think it is important to let people know that entry to further and higher education isn’t a one-time opportunity.

There are range of options in the system, and pathways to their chosen career that they may not have considered. For anyone who doesn’t gain access to their course of choice immediately, there is often an alternative education path available to them. That could be through further education or apprenticeship, or through other courses in higher education.

I encourage any and all students who feel stressed or under pressure about their pathway after the Leaving Certificate to go to the CAO website where they will find information on their options in higher education, further education and apprenticeships and to consider all the options that are available.