Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 9

Written Answers. - NESC Report.

John Bruton

Question:

31 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education the action she proposes to take on the conclusion of the National Economic and Social Council report, Redistribution through State Social Expenditure in the Republic of Ireland, 1973-1980 which stated that the instruments of policy in the area of third level education have not reduced the social inequalities in access to third level education over the period in question; and if she will outline the action she proposes to take to deal with this matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The statements in the report are not in the form attributed to it by the Deputy. Indeed, it acknowledges that strides have been made towards equality of access. It deals with the period up to 1980 and the eighties have seen a further massive expansion in the provision of third level places, particularly in the VEC third level colleges, and other post-secondary courses.

A major priority for me is to further increase participation in third level education by under-representated groups. The Deputy will be aware that this priority is reflected in special initiatives being taken under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress. These initiatives are outlined in the programme, for which initial funding was provided in this year's budget.