Written Answers. - Participation of Underprivileged in Higher Education.
Dinny McGinley
Question:
50
Mr. McGinley
asked the
Minister for Education
if she has had meetings with the heads of third level colleges with a view to increasing the participation rates of underprivileged in higher education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:
87
Mrs. T. Ahearn
asked the
Minister for Education
if she has had meetings with the heads of third level colleges with a view to increasing the participation rates of underprivileged in higher education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Brendan McGahon
Question:
97
Mr. McGahon
asked the
Minister for Education
if she has had meetings with the heads of third level colleges with a view to increasing the participation rates of underprivileged in higher education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Paul Bradford
Question:
119
Mr. Bradford
asked the
Minister for Education
if she has had meetings with the heads of third level colleges with a view to increasing the participation rates of underprivileged in higher education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I have not met the heads of third level colleges specifically to discuss increasing third level participation rates by students from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, in my visits to the third level colleges I have been informed by each college of specific programmes to increase participation rates of underprivileged students. Examples of these are the Ballymum Initiative for Third Level Education (BITE) by Dublin City University, the Limerick Community Based Educational Initiative (LCBEI) by University of Limerick, the Trinity
Access Project (TAP) and a similar initiative being operated by the Tallaght Regional Technical College.
The authorities of the institutions of higher education are keenly aware of the need to improve participation in higher education from disadvantaged groups in society. Both the Council of Higher Education Directors and the Committee of Heads of Irish Universities referred specifically to this matter in the course of their presentations to the National Education Convention.
The Programme for a Partnership Government gives a commitment, in the context of promoting social justice and equity, to continue improving the higher education grants scheme to ensure that no student is deprived of access to third-level education because of his or her financial circumstances.
As the Deputies will be aware I established an expert advisory group to examine and report to me on third-level student support schemes. I am at present examining the recommendations of the report and will publish it in the near future.
In addition, I have asked a steering group, established under the Higher Education Authority to examine third-level educational needs, to have particular regard in their recommendations to the need to provide access to third-level education for disadvantaged students.
A number of higher education institutions have established links with second level schools in disadvantaged areas. These links are specifically to help improve participation in higher education from these areas. Every support and encouragement will be given to developing and further extending these initiatives.
This issue is also raised in the report of The National Education Covention published last week. I am considering this report at present and I will be taking it into account in policy formulation and in the preparation of the White Paper.
