Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
2004. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider reviewing the income threshold currently being applied to the higher education access route (HEAR); to details of annual funding made available to HEAR from 2021 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35485/24]
View answerThe Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) scheme is operated by the Irish Universities Association, on behalf of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). My Department has no remit for this scheme.
Under HEAR each institution determines its own admissions policy, the number of places to be reserved, the allocation of those places, and the review and appeals processes. Applications to the scheme are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions. The HEIs provide funding for their participation in the scheme. My Department does not fund the HEAR scheme.
Officials from my Department have made contact the IUA, and I am advised that the income threshold is currently being revised to align with the SUSI Band 1 income threshold. These changes will be considered this year and become operational for applications in the 2026 admissions cycle.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
