If I was to make one plea to the Points Commission it would be to keep the third-level applications system safe from the scourge of Irish life - clientelism. At present, influence in the shape of wealth, business or political connections counts for nought when it comes to totalling up the points for college entry. The only bonus points of use in the Central Applications Office are awarded by University of Limerick and Dublin Institute of Technology for higher-level maths and some science subjects.
The introduction of any subjective element, such as interviews, could open up a chink in this system. If we leave a gap through which it is possible for the sons and daughters of the well-connected to pass, let us at least quantify its effects. How about 20 points for a letter of recommendation from a TD or a senator, 30 for a phone call from a Minister and 40 for a missive from a senior business person or a consultant?
All right, I can anticipate the quibbles already. Why should business men or even women get a greater points rating than a Minister's "personal" recommendation for someone who after all lives in his constituency and will soon have the vote?
And what about points for osmosis, as in the adsorption by a doctor or lawyer's son of some understanding of the profession denied to those less fortunate? The absence of such points is, after all, a contributing factor in the scramble for places on these sought-after courses. So, at present, we have the ludicrous situation where the son or daughter of a mechanic or roadsweeper can compete on an equal basis with those who have been sanctified by the presence of a scalpel or wig in the home (at least 50 points). And, we shouldn't forget the genetic basis for awarding places . . . after all, some people are "born" doctors, nurses or lawyers (would 30 bonus points suffice?).
Measurement of this osmosis or genetic advantage could be a difficult task. If not an interview which is open to allegations of subjectivity, what about an assessment test to identify innate characteristics suitable for the most sought-after professions? Of course, one assessment would not suffice as there are so many different third-level courses on offer. And, in the case of courses such as medicine, how to differentiate between potential surgeons where manual dexterity is required and potential medical consultants who might need a soothing bedside manner?
But, I hear you say, if the present system is so incorruptable why are the socio-economically disadvantaged not better represented in third-level? The answer to that question does not lie in the points system but in the education system itself. The education system is failing to prepare these students to compete on an equal basis.
In the rush to find a way to change the system of distributing scarce third-level places, let us not forget to look for a way to provide a decent primary and second-level education to all.
The Commission on the Points System is holding a series of consultative seminars starting next week:
Monday, September 21st, CORK, Fitzpatrick's Silver Springs Hotel
Tuesday, September 22nd, ATHLONE, Hodson Bay Hotel
Wednesday, September 23rd, GALWAY, Corrib Great Southern Hotel
Thursday, September 24th, SLIGO, Sligo Park Hotel
Tuesday, September 29th, DUN LAOGHAIRE, Royal Marine Hotel.
Education & Living
Editor: Ella Shanahan Production: Hugh Lambert and Harry Browne Cover illustrations: Cathy Dineen Email: education@irish-times.ie
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