AQO 3596/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 07/05/2026
Answered On Date: 19/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any assessment that has been made of the amount and quality of information provided to young people on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service application process, compared to the Central Applications Office application process.

Answer:

My Department’s Careers Service provides an impartial, client-centred, information, advice and guidance service which is delivered by professionally qualified Careers Advisers. Advisers help young people to explore higher education options locally, all across Ireland and in Great Britain. Support is tailored to individual need and can include advice on application routes through both the UCAS and the Central Applications Office. When discussing these processes, Advisers will also help clients with entry requirements and relevant qualification equivalencies; assist with their personal statements; key deadlines and decision points; and progression pathways. Broader careers advice and guidance will also be offered to support informed decision-making.

As an impartial service, Careers Advisers do not recommend particular institutions. Instead, they provide information, advice and guidance to help each young person identify the institutions and pathways that best match their interests, circumstances and ambitions. The final decision on where to apply rests with the individual.