Equal Access Data
Since 2007, higher education colleges in Ireland have been gathering information at registration-time on students' social, economic and cultural background. The purpose of gathering the information is to measure equality of access to higher education and to help put in place the resources needed to attract and support students of all backgrounds. Already, the data gathered is providing a rich source of information on participation in college and helping to streamline and further develop services and supports for all students.
This year, the CAO is asking all students to provide the Equal Access information as part of their college application. This means that information will be available on all applicants to the CAO and not just those who are offered and accept a higher education place.
All information gathered on student background is confidential and safeguarded by data protection legislation.
The cultural, social and economic questions asked of students are set out here. All students are encouraged to respond to the questions, however they are not mandatory and non-response will not impede any of the application process or subsequent eligibility for financial assistance schemes.
For further information or any special requirements, please contact your college after acceptance of your course offer.
If you would like further information on the information being gathered please contact:
National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education,
Higher Education Authority,
Brooklawn House, Crampton Avenue, Dublin 4.
Email: access@hea.ie
The HIGHER EDUCATION AUTHORITY, through its National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education, is committed to achieving greater educational access and opportunity for groups who are under-represented in higher education - such as people facing social and economic barriers, people with a disability and adult/mature students. The Office administers the Student Assistance Fund, the Fund for Students with Disabilities and the Millennium Partnership Fund for Disadvantage.
The Equal Status Acts 2000-2004 protect against harassment and discrimination outside of the workplace in the delivery of goods and services. Educational establishments are prohibited from directly or indirectly discriminating in relation to admission, the terms or conditions of admission, access to any course, access to any facility or benefit provided, or any term or condition of participation in the establishment, expulsion of a student or any other sanction against a student.
The Institutes of Technology Act 2006 and Universities Act 1997 require institutions to have equality of access policies in place for people from sections of society who are under-represented in higher education. The Higher Education Authority Act 1971 requires the HEA to promote equality of opportunity in higher education and to review equality policies. The Qualifications Act 1999 requires the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) to monitor institutes of technology and further education providers for quality assurance in access, transfer, progression and equality plans.
HEA publishes new national plan for equity of access to higher education