A forum of "key stakeholders" is to be convened by Trinity College Dublin to review undergraduate actor training requirements.
The move follows widespread criticism of the college's recent decision to discontinue its undergraduate degree in acting.
However, it remained unclear last night whether the college would be willing to revisit its decision to cancel the course following any such forum.
Separately, The Irish Times has learned that a meeting of TCD's board is today expected to hear claims that the decision to cancel the course is "null and void" and should be investigated.
In a letter to be circulated at the meeting, student representatives on the board will reiterate recent claims that the full school committee of TCD's School of Drama, Film and Music is the decision-making body rather than the school's executive committee.
"It is our opinion that, as proper procedures were not followed, this 'school decision' is null and void," the letter states. "We call for an immediate investigation into the decision-making processes within schools.
"This debacle has set a very dangerous precedent for Trinity, whereby committees can be bypassed and decisions forced through against the will of the college community."
Confirming its plans for the proposed forum last night, the TCD spokeswoman said it followed on from the "expressed concern of many interested parties".
"The College is proposing to establish a review of the needs in Ireland of undergraduate actor training in Ireland, the nature of such training and how best it can be delivered at national level . . . a forum with key stakeholders in the theatre profession will be convened in order to come up with a solution and a way forward to meet the needs of actor training in Ireland."
The spokeswoman could not say if TCD is willing to revisit the decision to discontinue the course, or if it would consider doing so if a suitable sponsor was found. The spokeswoman said the school's executive committee is the decision-making body for the school.
The decision to cease student intake into the course was taken by the head of school, Prof Kevin Rockett, and the executive following "consultation with staff involved in delivering the course and the student representatives".
"This is in line with college policy, approved by the board and in this context there are no issues regarding authorisation by any officer of the college," she said. "Major decisions taken by the schools are now advised to the board."