The Minister for Further and Higher Education has said a plan has been put in place to give people a way into higher education that is outside the CAO system.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, Simon Harris described the plan as "a massive step forward in breaking down silos in third level education".
He said that from September, in some instances, people will be able to start a degree programme in further education and training.
"So not have to be obsessed or worried about Leaving Cert points, get into further education and training. Do perhaps two years there and then automatically - subject to getting through the exams and the likes - be able to complete your degree in a university."
Today, he said, is a big start with 13 programmes that will be rolled out across the country in areas including sustainable engineering, nursing, performing arts, culinary arts, music technology computing, business and more.
The minister used Sligo as one example. He said he has spoken to nursing PLC students at Sligo College of Further Education who desperately want to complete their nursing degree in Sligo and now under the new programme, they will be able to do that.
"If you can keep people in your country longer, if you can ensure people can access all of the education, here in the country if they are getting their placements in Irish hospitals here, I think that makes a very positive difference."
He said this is also about looking after the mental health and well-being of young people also and "not just about points, points, points".
He said he is not suggesting that the new programme is a solution to the broader issues around recruitment and retention in the health service.
He said while he thinks the CAO will always be a part of Ireland's education system, he is not happy with how it is seen as "the best route or the only route".
"I'm not happy that sometimes young people in this country are asked to name the university they want to go to before actually asking them what they are passionate about."
He said it needs to be about creating multiple pathways for people to reach their full potential.
"We are missing out on good people here getting the jobs they want."
