Remove barriers preventing students applying to universities in the South: McGahan

Ms McGahan stated: “I was delighted that the motion calling on the Minister of Department of Enterprise and Learning Steven Farrto look at making it easier for students in the North to attend universities in the South and vice versa was passed.

“More and more students are applying to universities on an all Ireland basis especially since the cost of travelling abroad for education is growing year upon year.

“It is important that CAO which is the regulatory body for the universities in the South, and UCAS recognise the value of the same level of qualification North and South when valuation admission applications.

“The recent report jointly commissioned by the CBI and IBEC the non recognition of A Levels was flagged up as a major barrier to educational mobility and economic prosperity on the island of Ireland.

“I would like to commend the maturity of the parties that saw this motion for what it was, an attempt to harmonise university applications in order to advance educational and economic advancement.

“I am now calling on the Minister to have this issue on the agenda of his next North South Ministerial Council.”