Irish Higher Education Minister backs calls to reform CAO points system

Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless has voiced his support for reforming the CAO points system, aligning with growing calls from student, parent, and teacher representative groups.

These groups have argued that the current system places undue pressure on young people, creating a "pressure-cooker effect." They have urged the government to review the system, a measure included in the Programme for Government.

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I think we need to reform the pathways and the entry points into third level.

Lawless stated his belief in the importance of a "renaissance education," where students develop a broad base of knowledge before specializing. He feels this approach would benefit students in an era of AI and digitalization, fostering an understanding of humanities, sciences, and arts before they pursue specific careers like engineering or biochemistry.

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I think students would benefit particularly in an age of AI and digitalisation, and an ongoing computerised system, from having that broad base.

The minister revealed that he has met with the Irish Universities Association, the Technological Universities Association, and the students' union in recent months. He has invited these groups to submit proposals, which he is currently assessing. A working group will be formed next term to advance the reform process, incorporating the views of all interested parties.

While acknowledging the CAO's importance, Lawless stressed that it is "not the be-all and end-all that it once was." He highlighted the increasing availability of diverse pathways into higher education, including tertiary degrees, apprenticeships, and PLC courses.

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It's not the be-all and end-all that it once was ... there are many, many more pathways