Student arrested on suspicion of engaging in deception with a university

The student had taken a High Court challenge to the university's decision that she had to remediate incomplete modules

The student claimed the university had failed to make reasonable allowances after a traumatic experience impacted her ability to continue her studies. Picture: iStock

A student has been arrested by gardaí on suspicion of engaging in deception with a university regarding her medical studies course.

It is understood the woman was questioned in relation to documentation allegedly supplied to the college in an application to continue her studies despite not passing requisite courses.

The student had sought exemption because of a traumatic experience which affected her studies.

The student did not succeed in passing all her subjects for medicine, and university authorities required her to remediate the incomplete modules.

She challenged this decision and took a case to the High Court, claiming the university had failed to make reasonable allowances after a traumatic experience impacted her ability to continue her studies as she looked after her own health.

The High Court rejected this claim and found the college had made significant efforts to support her.

The court further said that the university was entitled to require her to follow an academic plan before progressing through her medical degree.

Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger found the solutions offered by the college to help the woman complete the failed modules were "entirely lawful and proper".

The student appealed the High Court ruling to the Court of Appeal which heard arguments this week from both sides and reserved judgment in the case.

Garda HQ confirmed that a woman, aged in her 20s, was arrested on Tuesday for alleged deception against a third level institution contrary to the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

A file is expected to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will decide whether or not to bring charges.