Irish universities are discriminating against students from disadvantaged backgrounds by failing to recognise prior learning. So says Jim Martin, assistant principal at Colaiste Dhulaigh, Coolock, Dublin. Universities in Britain and Northern Ireland, on the other hand, recognise the BTEC higher national diploma, and allow students access to the final year of relevant degree programmes, he says.

"Many of our students complete HNDs in areas such as computer aided design, media, multimedia, lab science, journalism, interior design and theatre studies," he says. "They use this opportunity to get their degrees and return home where in the employment market their qualifications are treated as the equivalent of Irish degrees." Not only is it impossible to gain similar access to Irish universities, it is equally impossible to use these qualifications to get into year one of a degree programme, he notes. "No recognition of prior learning is granted. The only route of access is Leaving Cert points."

Colaiste Dhulaigh offers 25 further education courses, catering for over 900 students. One third of these go on to do degrees, Martin says. Many of Colaiste Dhulaigh students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and would benefit from access routes from the college into Irish universities. "But access is denied as it was after the Leaving Cert and no credit is given for their further-education courses. This lack of flexibility is unfair and unnecessary."