asked the Minister for Education the present projections of the demand for third level places in 1988, 1989 and 1990; the present numbers at third level; the way in which she plans to provide for the additional demand in view of the seven per cent cut for the higher education authority sector in the Estimates for 1988 and the abolition of the building plans announced by her on 22 October 1987; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Third Level Places.
66.
The estimated number of students in third-level education in the present academic year is 58,400. The projected numbers for the academic years 1988-89, 1989-90 and 1990-91 are 59,500, 61,100 and 63,800 respectively.
This increased demand will be met by the educational institutions examining critically every area of expenditure so that the best possible use will be made of available resources and with a view to effecting economies and increasing productivity while preserving the essential aspects of services and maintaining academic standards. I am confident that the institutions in the HEA sector will overcome any difficulties which may arise. The system will become more efficient, more cost effective and more productive if we are to meet the challenge presented to us by increasing student numbers in a time of scarce financial resources.
I am having a study carried out which, inter alia, will look at the savings that could be made, or the additional students that could be accommodated at no extra cost by reducing the length of courses for qualifications awarded by the National Council for Educational Awards. This is similar to a provision in an action plan proposed by Deputy Hussey when she was Minister for Education. I have asked the Higher Education Authority to carry out a similar exercise in their own sector by examining the question of shortening four year degree courses to three years.
I will also be presenting proposals to Government on the establishment of an interdepartmental committee to examine the provision of third level places, the rationalisation of third level departments and institutions, and the funding of these institutions. This committee will take account of the two studies I have mentioned and such factors as demographic trends, personnel requirements and the existing number of student places in third level institutions.
This latter proposal is broadly in line with a decision taken by the Government of which Deputy Hussey was a member shortly before they left office which envisaged no commitment to new third level capital projects pending a review of the long term requirements for third level student places.
When does the Minister expect the two studies to be completed? When might we expect to know the plans for accommodating in the next few years the 5,000 extra students?
The Deputy knows how it is with studies, committees and review groups. I hope they will report by, at the latest, May-June of next year.
Does the Minister not consider that the sudden stopping of all capital projects at third level has created an emergency which will have to be tackled very quickly? In the interest of preventing a crisis within the next few years would she consider calling into her Department a team of special advisers to look at this question of the third level emergency?
That is exactly what I am doing. As I said, in line with the previous Government's decision, we too are deferring all further capital projects at third level pending this review, and this was in a Government memorandum issued by the Coalition. As regards the second point raised by the Deputy, the two committees have been set up, and indeed with a sense of urgency, to deal with interdepartmental matters, consulting with the Higher Education Authority and the National Council for Educational Awards, and if they need outside consultants or advice on any matter outside their ambit, they will be able to call on experts. However, my Department, the Government and I are conscious of the very rigorous attention which must be paid by the third level sector to increase throughput and productivity so that we will be able to cope with the increased number of third level students.