Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 5

Written Answers. - Transfer Rate to Third Level Education.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

112 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education if she will outline in respect of the rate of transfer of second level students to third level education (1) the current transfer rate in this State (2) the way in which this rate is determined (3) the definition used for third level indicating whether post leaving certificate courses are so designated and (4) the comparison with the current transfer rate in other EC and/or OECD States.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The percentage of students who sit the leaving certificate currently and who transferred to third level courses is about 45 per cent.

Third level courses are defined as certificate, diploma and degree courses in recognised third level educational institutions and do not include post leaving certificate courses.

It is not possible to make meaningful comparisons of the transfer rate in question with those of other countries due to the differences in the educational systems and definition of what comprises third level education.