Early reports of the Points Commission's deliberations suggest that there will be no major changes in the points system. However, any recommendations on Leaving Certificate reform and third-level admissions made by the Points Commission will need the support of the universities before they can be implemented. "At the end of the day, the universities have the right to determine their systems of admission," says Dr Tom Mitchell, Provost of TCD. "It's not up to the commission or the Minister - the Universities Act is very clear about that."

There is disappointment, though, that no major changes are being discussed. "I consider it to be tinkering," Mitchell says. "My hope was that there would be fairly substantial changes being recommended in the points system." According to the Chairwoman of the commission, Prof Aine Hyland, discussions are at an early stage and no decisions have been taken.

However, it is understood that aptitude tests or interviews are unlikely to be recommended as selection mechanisms. "I'm sorry to see them rule out scholastic aptitude tests," comments Dr Mitchell. "We need a system which will measure academic ability. Our present Leaving Certificate doesn't do that very well. It measures performance, which encourages forms of learning and study that are educationally unsound." He believes that a system which takes into account Junior Certificate performance, the results of a fifth-year exam and the Leaving Certificate would reduce the strain for students and produce a better picture of academic ability. The Points Commission is also considering reserving university places for National Certificate and Diploma holders and for mature students.