Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Higher Education Participation.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

45 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education the percentage of school leavers from counties Louth, Monaghan and Cavan who attend third level institutions; the percentage of school leavers from counties Louth, Monaghan and Cavan attending the Regional Technical College at Dundalk, County Louth; the number of early school leavers in each of the three counties; and the arrangements, if any, she has in mind to ensure equal opportunity.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to school leavers who attend third level institutions is not readily available in my Department. However, the Higher Education Authority periodically carries out surveys on participation in higher education.

The result of the last survey entitled "Who Goes to College" by Dr. Patrick Clancy was published in 1988 based on 1986 data. The survey also compared 1986 data with 1980 data and showed the following figures in relation to school leavers:—

County	Admission rates to third level
	1980	1986
	%	%
Louth	23	25
Monaghan	16	24
Cavan	16	24

Of the school leavers in 1986 the following percentages were admitted to the Regional Technical College, Dundalk: Louth, 11.8 per cent; Monaghan, 7.7 per cent; Cavan, 5.6 per cent.

The results of a further survey based on 1992 data are being finalised at present by the Higher Education Authority and they intend to publish a report later in the year.

The FÁS local employment offices are responsible for the compilation of the Social Guarantee Register which records details of early school leavers.