asked the Minister for Education in relation to the interdepartmental review of third level education (a) its objectives (b) its membership and manner of appointment (c) when it is to begin its work and the anticipated time scale for its deliberations and (d) whether it will be publicly seeking submissions from colleges, teacher and student unions, education bodies and other interested groups.
Written Answers. - Third Level Education Review.
82.
The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
(a) Objectives
The interdepartmental committee was set up to examine and make recommendations on future policies, including the form of funding, for third-level education.
(b) Membership and manner of appointment
The list of members is as follows: Dr. D.F. Ó Ceallacháin, Department of Education, Chairman; Mr. N. Lindsay, Department of Education; Mr. S. Nolan, Department of Education; Ms. Agnes Aylward, Department of Industry and Commerce; Mr. J. Corcoran, Department of Labour; Mr. F. O'Donnell, Department of Agriculture and Food; Mr. D. McCarthy, Department of Health; Mr. J. McCaffrey, Department of Finance; Mr. J. Hayden, Higher Education Authority; Mr. J. O'Sullivan, Department of Education (Secretary to the Committee).
Following a Government decision that I, as Minister for Education, should bring forward proposals, including terms of reference, for the setting up of such an interdepartmental committee the above committee were duly appointed. Because of their statutory responsibilities in the area of third level education, the Higher Education Authority were also invited to be represented on the committee.
(c) The committee have already commenced their work and I would anticipate receiving recommendations from the committee before the end of the year.
(d) As part of their work the committee will be inviting submissions from colleges, teacher and student unions, education bodies and other interested groups.