Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

990. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is possible for a student who applied through the CAO system to pursue her nursing qualification using her QQI level 5 results in pre-nursing in lieu of insufficient points from the leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52045/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Higher education institutions (HEIs), such as universities, have autonomy in relation to their admissions. Irish HEIs utilise the CAO, a non-profit private company, to centrally and impartially manage the admissions process and instruct the CAO to make offers on their behalf to applicants. Neither I nor my Department has a role in matters relating to these processes.

However, together with the Higher Education Authority and HEIs, my Department is working to address challenges and respond to demand to ensure students can access the opportunities they deserve, particularly in the healthcare sector. Over the last number of years, we have added over 1,000 places in high-demand courses such as medicine, nursing, and therapy disciplines, with new dentistry and pharmacy programmes starting this year. Two new veterinary medicine courses will commence next year, providing 80 additional places and doubling national provision in this discipline. These measures will expand opportunities for students and help maintain a health care system that can meet the evolving needs of society.

My Department is also continuing to work to diversify and expand pathways into and through third-level education. In May this year, I launched the third iteration of the Tertiary Degree Programmes. This sees the number of programmes double compared to last year to 39, with new courses launched this year in occupational therapy, social care, and the creative arts, among others.

In collaboration with the HSE, the NTO is working to expand tertiary programmes in Nursing. At present, tertiary programmes in General Nursing are offered in Education and Training Boards in Donegal, Roscommon, Sligo, Cork and Kerry. Tertiary programmes in Mental Health Nursing are offered in Cork and Kerry. The tertiary programmes offered in Nursing have been expanded this year with the addition of Intellectual Disability Nursing, which is offered in Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, and Waterford.

Applications for tertiary courses are open until late September and are outside of the CAO points system. Further details on tertiary degree programmes are available on the National Tertiary Office’s website at nto.hea.ie/courses.

Students who are unhappy with their results or are uncertain about their next steps should not be discouraged, as many options remain open to them. Supports are available from websites such as www.careersportal.ie.