Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - College Library Facilities.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Question:

6 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if he intends to provide additional funding to the universities and regional technical colleges in order to allow for improved library facilities, in view of the fact that the current facilities in many colleges are inadequate for the increased number of undergraduate and research students who are now in third level education; and the current ratio of students to library reading desks in each of the universities and regional technical colleges in the State.

Mr. S. Brennan

A very significant level of funding is continuing to be made available to the third level sector to provide for improved library facilities.

Recent university library projects include additional facilities at UCD, TCD, UCC, Maynooth, UL and DCU. A further extension to the library at UCG is at an advanced stage of planning.

In the regional technical colleges and colleges of technology additional library facilities have been provided at Sligo, Dundalk, Galway, Letterkenny, Waterford regional technical colleges and in colleges of the Dublin Institute of Technology. Further developments aided by the European Regional Development Fund Programme are due to be commenced shortly at Athlone, Cork and Limerick (CoACT). In addition, multipurpose centres have been provided as an interim measure to assist with the provision of reader-study places at Dundalk, Waterford, Athlone and Carlow regional technical colleges. A further centre is proposed for Sligo regional technical college.

While it is accepted that there is still pressure on reader places in some colleges, particularly the regional technical colleges, it should be very clear from the extensive programme which I have outlined, that major steps are being taken to improve the library facilities nationally.

The 1991 statistics on student reader place ratios are at present being updated and as soon as the current figures are returned to my Department, I will make them available directly to the Deputy.

Mr. G. O'Sullivan

I welcome the information given by the Minister, but would he not agree that there is a crisis in terms of student places in regional technical colleges and universities? Would he not agree that it is grossly unfair for students to have to pay high fees in view of the fact that they do not have proper facilities? In some cases second and third level students have to sit on floors and window sills.

Mr. S. Brennan

There has been an enormous influx of new entrants to third level education. Some 45 per cent of all of those leaving second level education continue to third level and it has been very difficult to cater for these numbers. Since 1988 expenditure on third level education has increased by 46 per cent. The State is doing everything possible to meet the demands. There is not a sufficient number of places available but a number of projects are being considered.

Mr. J. Higgins

In relation to the new Secretariat in Brussels, which presumably has been set up not only to liaise with our European partners but also to tap into additional ESF grants, how much ESF funding can we realistically expect for additional facilities at third level colleges and for the provision of new regional technical colleges and universities?

Mr. S. Brennan

I do not have a figure on future ESF funding but I will get that information for the Deputy. Regional technical colleges are substantially funded by the ESF. I am already preparing a strong submission for the next round of social funding which will involve seeking substantial additional ESF funds from 1994 onwards.

Mr. J. Higgins

May I ask the Minister whether the submission in relation to additional ESF funding is based on the projected increase in the numbers attending third level education and does it outline fully third level planning for the next ten to 20 years?

Mr. S. Brennan

The submission is at an early stage of preparation. It has to go through a lengthy process in that it has to be discussed in the Department of Finance, it then goes to Government and finally it will take its place with programmes in other Departments and will be part of our overall submission to the European Community. The projected increase in third level figures will be reflected in the submission.