01/03/2010
'Grade Inflation' Results Due Next Week
Minister for Education and Science Batt O'Keeffe has said the results of a review into Leaving Certificate grades and third level qualifications could be published by the end of the week.
Minister O'Keeffe made the announced the publication date of the so called 'grade inflation' report today after meeting with senior representatives from the multinational sector.
Mr O'Keeffe said there had been a serious increase in grades over the past ten years and there was also a general perception that there was quite a significant increase in the number of first class honours qualifications being awarded by the third level sector.
Fine Gael's Education Spokesman, Brian Hayes TD, said he will be raising the issue in the Dáil and has called on the Minister for Education to publish the preliminary findings into reports that have been commissioned.
Deputy Hayes made his comments after reports that the Minister has launched two investigations into the issue with preliminary results available later in the week.
“The decline in education standards and ’grade inflation’ have the potential to severely impair Ireland’s economic recovery and the ability of our graduates to compete for jobs," he said.
Mr Hayes added: "This is not a new issue but with CEO's internationally and at home raising problems, it is high time that investigations are carried out.
"It is part of a broader problem in Higher Education with the recent introduction of new funding for research, allocated on the basis of competition within the sector placing greater focus on the level of research undertaken and output achieved. It is now incumbent on the Minister to make the findings of these reports available as soon as possible and this Thursday he will have the opportunity in the Dáil to do so."
(DW/BMcC)
Minister O'Keeffe made the announced the publication date of the so called 'grade inflation' report today after meeting with senior representatives from the multinational sector.
Mr O'Keeffe said there had been a serious increase in grades over the past ten years and there was also a general perception that there was quite a significant increase in the number of first class honours qualifications being awarded by the third level sector.
Fine Gael's Education Spokesman, Brian Hayes TD, said he will be raising the issue in the Dáil and has called on the Minister for Education to publish the preliminary findings into reports that have been commissioned.
Deputy Hayes made his comments after reports that the Minister has launched two investigations into the issue with preliminary results available later in the week.
“The decline in education standards and ’grade inflation’ have the potential to severely impair Ireland’s economic recovery and the ability of our graduates to compete for jobs," he said.
Mr Hayes added: "This is not a new issue but with CEO's internationally and at home raising problems, it is high time that investigations are carried out.
"It is part of a broader problem in Higher Education with the recent introduction of new funding for research, allocated on the basis of competition within the sector placing greater focus on the level of research undertaken and output achieved. It is now incumbent on the Minister to make the findings of these reports available as soon as possible and this Thursday he will have the opportunity in the Dáil to do so."
(DW/BMcC)
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02 March 2010
Uni Grade 'Inflation 100%' Claims Study
The number of first-class honours degrees awarded by Irish universities has increased by over 100% since 1994, according to leaked study. The internal study compiled for the University Council at Trinity College shows the rate of 'grade inflation' over the past 15 years that has sparked reactions of concern from the Opposition political parties.
Uni Grade 'Inflation 100%' Claims Study
The number of first-class honours degrees awarded by Irish universities has increased by over 100% since 1994, according to leaked study. The internal study compiled for the University Council at Trinity College shows the rate of 'grade inflation' over the past 15 years that has sparked reactions of concern from the Opposition political parties.
08 February 2019
Govt Allocate €23m For Higher Education Innovation Fund
A total of €23 million has been awarded to projects across 23 higher education institutions as part of the new Innovation and Transformation fund. The programme was launched in 2018 as part of the modernisation and reform of the funding model for higher education.
Govt Allocate €23m For Higher Education Innovation Fund
A total of €23 million has been awarded to projects across 23 higher education institutions as part of the new Innovation and Transformation fund. The programme was launched in 2018 as part of the modernisation and reform of the funding model for higher education.
23 September 2010
Foreign Education Sector To Boost Earnings
A new blueprint is targeting €1.2 billion earnings annually from the foreign education sector. The Government has launched a major new strategy aimed at increasing international student numbers in higher education by 50% and in English language schools by 25% by 2015.
Foreign Education Sector To Boost Earnings
A new blueprint is targeting €1.2 billion earnings annually from the foreign education sector. The Government has launched a major new strategy aimed at increasing international student numbers in higher education by 50% and in English language schools by 25% by 2015.
12 January 2010
Many Schools Remain Closed Despite Thaw
Hundreds of primary and second-level schools are still closed today despite the majority reopening this morning as the cold snap eases. Reports this morning say the majority of schools in the greater Dublin area have reopened. However, many schools in Munster will stay closed until tomorrow at the earliest as roads and footpaths remain treacherous.
Many Schools Remain Closed Despite Thaw
Hundreds of primary and second-level schools are still closed today despite the majority reopening this morning as the cold snap eases. Reports this morning say the majority of schools in the greater Dublin area have reopened. However, many schools in Munster will stay closed until tomorrow at the earliest as roads and footpaths remain treacherous.
15 April 2009
Decision On Fees Delayed Until After Elections
Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe is expected to delay his decision on the re-introduction of third-level fees until after the local elections on June 5. Speaking at the annual conference of the Association of Secondary Teachers last night, Mr O'Keeffe said the Government would approach the matter in a fair manner.
Decision On Fees Delayed Until After Elections
Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe is expected to delay his decision on the re-introduction of third-level fees until after the local elections on June 5. Speaking at the annual conference of the Association of Secondary Teachers last night, Mr O'Keeffe said the Government would approach the matter in a fair manner.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Variable amounts of cloud and some bright or sunny spells. There will be a few passing showers but some a fair amount of dry weather too. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:Any showers will die out this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with clear periods. Freshening southerly winds along the east coast later. Minimum temperature 13 °C.