Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I am committed to increasing cross-Border student mobility in tertiary education. I spoke recently at the launch of the ESRI Report on North-South student mobility, and emphasised the importance I attach to this very issue. One of the key issues identified in that report was the CAO points assigned to A Levels, and how the current weighting restricted students from Northern Ireland to apply for certain courses in Irish Universities. I am delighted that this is now addressed following a review conducted by Universities Ireland. It is now possible for A-Level candidates to use the best three A Levels, in combination with a fourth A Level or an AS Level or an extended project. The report’s recommendation must now be accepted by each University’s Academic Council, and I hope that this revision will be in place for the students looking to start their studies in September 2024.

Furthermore, I have stated on a number of occasions my regret that the UK have opted out of the Erasmus programme, which has impacted significantly on students from Northern Ireland. I have provided funding of almost €2.3 million which will enable then to continue to avail of mobilities, post Brexit. While this will provide opportunities to travel across Europe and elsewhere, it is important to state that an estimated 20% of mobilities undertaken by students from Northern Ireland, are internships in workplaces in mainly Dublin and Cork.