Report to recommend overhaul of college application system

A report, set to be published later today, is to propose radical change in the way Irish students apply for college places.

It is being considered by Education Minister Ruairí Quinn and was compiled for the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.

This report outlines ways in which third-level courses could be allocated to students in a more targeted way.

A key proposal is a less restrictive points level at which candidates would become eligible to study a course.

A random process like a lottery could then be used to allocate places.

However, another option would see a 'weighted' system put in place, whereby better results in particular Leaving Cert subjects would help students get into a related third-level course.

The report has been compiled by former vice president of UCC, Dr Aine Hyland.