Courts / Wexford / Report

Minister and State Exams Committee to appeal parts of Rebecca Carter judgement

Date
2018-12-14

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Castlebridge

County
Wexford

Summary

The State Examinations Commission and the Minister for Education and Skills have appealed certain aspects of a High Court judgment that allowed student Rebecca Carter to take up a place in veterinary medicine at University College Dublin. The appeal was briefly mentioned before Mr Justice Mary Irvine at the Court of Appeal on Friday. Nuala Butler SC, representing the Minister, stated that the client wished to appeal specific parts of the judgment and sought the earliest possible hearing date. Ms Justice Irvine listed the appeal for late May but expressed hope it could be heard earlier. Ms Carter, of Rectory Hall, Castlebridge, Wexford, will participate as 'legitimus contradictor.' It is understood that her legal costs have been indemnified by the State appellants. The original High Court judgment, delivered by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, ruled that the appeals process was highly unfair and not fit for purpose. The Minister and Department of Education were directed to review the process to ensure appeals are completed before the start of the academic year in 2019. The outcome of the current appeal will not affect Ms Carter's place at UCD, nor will she be liable for legal costs if the appellate court finds in the State parties' favour. The matter remains at the appeal stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Minister and State Exams Committee to appeal parts of Rebecca Carter judgement. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

2018-12-14 Publication

Why: She had repeated her Leaving Certificate in order to get a place in the course, having just missed out on a place the year before. CNI source report