Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Nov 1971

Vol. 256 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Third Level Educational Courses.

35.

Dr. FitzGerald

asked the Minister for Education how many students are currently attending institutions other than universities and teacher training colleges, undertaking full-time third level courses under the following headings: (a) degree or degree-equivalent courses; (b) other courses requiring matriculation or two-honour leaving certificate entrance, distinguishing courses involving three or more years from those requiring less than three years; and (c) other courses requiring leaving certificate for entrance, distinguishing courses requiring three or more years from those requiring less than three years and giving separate figures for each institution.

36.

Dr. FitzGerald

asked the Minister for Education the estimated number of students attending third level institutions other than universities and teacher training colleges who hold four or more honours in the leaving certificate divided between the three groups mentioned in the preceding question.

Mr. Faulkner

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and the inordinate amount of work which would be involved in collecting it would not be warranted. Furthermore, there would be varying views on what constituted degree-equivalent courses.

Dr. FitzGerald

Has the Minister got any information at all under these headings? He may have some problems with definitions but could he not give us whatever information is available?

Mr. Faulkner

As the questions are framed, an inordinate amount of work is involved and I certainly could not ask my Department to undertake that work.

Dr. FitzGerald

Perhaps I can consult with the Minister's officials as to whether I could reform the question to enable some information to be provided.

Mr. Faulkner

The Deputy could get in touch with me.