asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to establish new regional technical colleges in the Dublin area.
15.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Third Level Education in Dublin.
14.
asked the Minister for Education if he accepts that there is an urgent need for additional third-level places in the Dublin area; if he will make a statement on the best way of providing for such needs; and the approximate timetable for such provision.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
The question of the need for new regional technical colleges or for additional third-level places generally, is always kept under review in consultation with the appropriate authorities. No proposals have yet been approved in the case of the Dublin area.
Is the Minister aware that we have only 50 per cent of the percentage of the appropriate age group in higher or third-level education that exists in other EEC countries? In the light of that and of the fact that there are places undersubscribed in UCD and the immense waiting list for places in the technological area, would the Minister agree that now is the time for a crash programme to remedy this deficiency?
The question is related to the Dublin area and I am confining my reply to that area. The appropriate people to consult are the members of the Higher Education Authority and I have asked them to look at the situation. I am aware that they have engaged consultants in this matter to find out how many third-level places are needed and how they fit into our accommodation. I have already set on the way the development of the National Institute for Higher Education in Dublin and third-level places will be provided by the technological sector there in the existing building and in the business studies building on the Ballymun site. I agree that there is a problem in that certain places may not have been taken up in the universities. Our neighbours in Britain have made provision for third-level places that are not being taken up. We have to balance it but I am committed to the development of the technological sector which was mentioned by the Deputy.
Can the Minister tell the House whether his request for advice to the HEA has been accompanied by any sense of urgency? Has he explained to them that the matter is urgent and put a deadline on the time when the advice should be made available to him?
The extent of the additional provision which should be made in the Dublin area will be reported on but that will not be available until some time during 1979. The report on the assessment of need will be sooner.
Is the Minister aware that a number of applicants are being turned away due to accommodation problems?
It would be my ambition that there would be sufficient places in third level to cope with all who need them.