asked the Minister for Education her views on whether a review of the third level education system should now be carried out to include the following areas: (a) access, concerning the way in which Ireland's participation ratio can be increased to at least the EC average and the way in which access for working-class people can be improved (b) reorganisation of the third level system involving an examination of the structure and control of the system particularly with a view to the democratisation of the management of colleges and the rationalisation of structure and awarding bodies (c) course content/syllabi to encompass an in-depth and preferably an ongoing examination of what is taught in colleges with a particular emphasis on student views and needs and (d) student financial support involving an independent assessment of the proper level of finance necessary to attend colleges and the provision of that finance through a comprehensive grants system and a scheme for the phased abolition of fees; and if she will agree to such a review.
Written Answers. - Review of Third Level Education.
51.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Government have established an interdepartmental committee, hosted by my Department, to examine and make recommendations on future policies, including the form of funding, for third-level education.