Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 7

Written Answers. - Third Level Funding.

Michael Ferris

Question:

33 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the educational reasons his Department continue to invest heavily in third level facilities in the Dublin region as compared to deprived regions throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

My Department's third level ongoing capital programme is targeted at ensuring that an equitable provision of capital resources are provided nationally. The total cost of the present programme which covers the period 1990 to 1993 is approximately £100 million, of which about £55 million is being expended outside the Dublin region.

The objectives of the programme include the provision of additional places which will allow an increase in the admission rate to third level from 39 per cent to 45 per cent of the relevant age group and the provision of facilities for research and higher level programmes which will contribute to economic growth.

As the Deputy is aware from the Clancy report the rates of admission to third level from the Dublin area were virtually the lowest in the country and projects such as Tallaght R.T.C. have been provided to remedy this imbalance. The current third level capital programme is the largest embarked on for many years and it is my intention to ensure that all institutions and regions continue to receive an equitable level of investment in the future.