merrion street

The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today published the HEA / NCCA report

On 21^st September 2011, NCCA/HEA jointly organised a conference that provided a forum for discussion, consultation and presentation of research and proposals into the entry and selection mechanisms for higher education institutions and the effect they were having on the quality of learning at both second and third level.

Minister Quinn had called for an open debate on elements of the transition between second and third level in Ireland and for the full range of possible options for change and improvement to be explored.

Announcing the publication of the report, Minister Quinn said: 'I want in particular to publicly thank both organisations for the speed with which they have responded. In addition, their report is focused, compact and explicit in its recommendations.

'I am in agreement with the overall thrust of the recommendations in the report. There are a number of issues I have asked the HEA and NCCA to consider further in consultation with the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and higher education institutions.

'I have requested the HEA and NCCA, in partnership with the SEC and higher education institutions where appropriate, to now begin advancing the recommendations.

'In particular, where further exploration or research is recommended, I have asked that arrangements for this are immediately set in train. Where recommendations for change have been made, I have asked the agencies to quickly prepare and submit a more detailed implementation plan, setting out timeframes, and where cost or resource issues arise, to identify and prioritise these in the context of the overall curriculum reform agenda that I am now pursuing. I have asked them to have this done by early February.' he said.

Click here to read the report.