91999E0355

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0355/99

by Giacomo Leopardi (PPE) to the Commission

(12 February 1999)

Subject: Numerus clausus for dentistry degree courses in Italy

For three years now too many students have enrolled for dentistry courses at Italian universities; although they failed the test for admission to the degree course they appealed against their exclusion and the regional administrative court authorised them to enrol provisionally, postponing the final decision until a judgment was handed down on the substance.

In order to comply with Directives 78/686/EC(1) and 78/687/EC(2) on the mutual recognition of diplomas, the 1980 Presidential decree No 135 introduced the degree course in dentistry (odontoiatria e protesi dentaria) and laid down the number and terms of admissibility of students. Referring to Community requirements, Constitutional Court judgment 383/98 recognised the legitimacy of adopting a numerus clausus.

What steps will the Commission take to uphold the planned number of enrolments, protect those who passed the test for admission to the degree course and guarantee them the possibility of following a course of study in accordance with European standards so that their degree is duly recognised throughout the Union?

Will the Commission take steps to determine whether the abovementioned courses are really available and how the Italian university authorities calculated the structures/students ratio to justify opting for a numerus clausus?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(18 March 1999)

The matter of the numerus clausus on access to studies in dentistry mentioned by the Honourable Member is, insofar as it complies with the principle of non-discrimination on the grounds of nationality, the sole responsibility of the national authorities and does not, under any circumstances, fall within the scope of Community law.

(1) OJ L 233, 24.8.1978, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 233, 24.8.1978, p. 10.