Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 3

Written Answers. - Third Level Student Places.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

252 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education her views on whether the huge number of applications from Cork city and county to the Central Applications Office for entry to higher education in September 1993 will create great difficulties unless greater use is made of existing resources; the proposals, if any, she has for more intensive use of the existing buildings at University College Cork and Cork Regional Technical College by the dual-day system and the employment of extra lecturers or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The CAO does not supply my Department with a regional breakdown of applicants.

The most effective and efficient means of providing student places at third-level is a matter my Department has under ongoing review, in consultation with the institutions and the Higher Education Authority, in the context of available resources.

In addition, I indicated to the Dáil recently that I felt it was time for an overall assessment of the demands and needs in higher education, examining the needs of different regions, socio-economic groups and the overall needs of society with a view to developing an integrated plan in the context of third-level education generally. Such a review could cover, inter alia, the most effective use of existing facilities.