Vol. 396 No. 6
84 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education if she will give a breakdown on the 1,200 extra third level places promised in the budget, as between regional technical colleges and universities; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The additional third level places announced in the budget will be provided in the university sector. Over the next three to four years the universities will provide not fewer than 3,600 additional places by raising intake quotas by not less than 1,200 places from the beginning of the academic year 1990/91.
Enrolment in the RTC sector has more than doubled in the period since 1980. Indications are that a further increase in enrolment may be expected in 1990. There are constraints on the colleges at present in so far as accommodation is concerned. The enhancement programme which was announced recently for the period to 1993 will ease the situation and facilitate further growth to meet the undoubted demand for places in these colleges.
