Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
403. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a student work placement was withdrawn (details supplied) despite medical confirmation from their neurologist that the student is fit for placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56087/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department notes that the student in question was unable to undertake her preferred work placement, having been refused on medical grounds.
Under the Universities Act 1997, higher education institutions such as University College Cork operate with autonomy in the management of their academic, administrative and student affairs. This includes responsibility for addressing student concerns and complaints through their established internal processes. As such, neither the Department or the Minister is in a position to comment or intervene directly in such individual cases.
Students who wish to raise a concern are advised to try to resolve the issue with the university in the first instance. Complaints regarding higher education institutions should be addressed by following the internal procedures as set out by the institution in question. These procedures are available on the university website: www.ucc.ie/en/policiesandprocedures/
Should the student remain dissatisfied after exhausting the university’s internal procedures, it is open to them to refer the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman, which provides a free, independent and impartial service for reviewing complaints about public bodies.
The best way to contact the Ombudsman is by:
Clicking on the 'Make A Complaint' link at www.ombudsman.ie
Or writing to: Office of the Ombudsman, 6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773
Or calling the Ombudsman on (01) 639 5600 if there are any queries or help is required in making the complaint.
