asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the fact that only 0.3 per cent of students at UCD come from families in the lower income category, he will state the plans he has to improve the higher education prospects for students from this category; and the number of such students who are studying at TCD.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Higher Education Students.
47.
I am not aware of what basis of classification the Deputy is using for the purpose of definition of the lower income category and, accordingly, I am not in a position to reply to the final sentence of the question.
In so far as improving the higher education prospects of children of parents in lower income groups the process of promotion of opportunity must commence at a much earlier stage than the date of admission to a university college and relates to the facilities made available at primary and secondary level.
The measures being taken in the matter of improvement of pupilteacher ratios, the establishment of remedial classes, reorganisation of school facilities and so on are already known to the Deputy.