CAO application deadline extended

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, today welcomed a decision by the CAO to extend its application deadline for those affected by Storm Éowyn.

Minister Lawless has spoken to Department officials over recent days who he asked to engage with the CAO to find a solution for those students without power and internet and who were unable to process their applications by the February 1 deadline.

Minister Lawless said: “I’m very pleased that an agreement has been reached to extend the deadline for those who have been affected by the storm, and I want to thank the Central Applications Office, the higher education sector and my Department officials for their hard work in this regard.

“We all know how stressful the Leaving Cert can be and we all know the amount of work that is required from our students across the country to get where they want to go.

“It would have been incredibly unfair if there was even further pressure added to these students, especially for something that is entirely out of their control.

“There are still unfortunately many people without power, so it was only correct that this deadline was changed and I hope it sets the minds of students and their parents at ease.”

The CAO announced this afternoon that an exceptional application facility will be made available from after the original of February 1 until 5pm on February 6 for those experiencing power and internet outages.

To apply to CAO go to www.cao.ie and click on ‘Apply’.