Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 6

Written Answers. - Access to Third Level Education.

Tony Gregory

Question:

22 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to ensure greater equality of access to third level education for children from different social backgrounds, with particular regard to children from Dublin's inner city and other disadvantaged areas. [1004/95]

Tony Gregory

Question:

127 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education her views on the low level of access to third-level education for children from Dublin north inner city; and if she will give priority to the promised building of a second level school at Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1. [1329/95]

Ms Bhreathnach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 127 together.

A technical working group has just reported to the steering committee on the future development of the higher education sector. This report shows unequal participation rates at third level for young people from different social and economic backgrounds. Overall, young people from less well off backgrounds, including the Dublin inner city, have a much lower chance of access to third-level education.

All the available evidence indicates that the struggle against disadvantage is won or lost at first and second level. I have taken a range of measures to improve and promote participation in the education system by students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These include targeting of resources at primary and post-primary level on disadvantaged areas; the provision of educational support services for students, e.g. psychological and guidance services, career guidance, remedial teachers etc., and giving priority on the allocation of these to disadvantaged areas.

The continuing development and expansion of the home-school liaison service which is focused on disadvantaged areas; a major restructuring of the senior cycle curriculum at second level to adapt it to the needs of the wider spread of ability levels and aptitudes of students; continuing financial support for special initiatives operated by a number of third level institutions which involve linkages with post-primary schools in order to provide greater opportunities for students from the disadvantaged areas concerned to enter college; support for junior education centres for travellers; increase in disadvantaged areas fund at primary level and initiation of pre-school projects and continuing development of Youthreach to cater for the needs of children at risk of early school leaving.

I await with interest the report of the steering committee which will take all these matters on board with a view to further action I might take to improve access to third level for students from Dublin north inner city and other such areas where there are similar problems of very low participation in third level education.

My Department is at present undertaking a review of the educational needs of Dublin north inner city, including the Seán McDermott Street area. The case for the provision of a second level school is being re-examined. As the Deputy knows, the issues are complex. There are eight post-primary schools in the area and the population of children and young people of school-going age is dropping. Some of the schools have very low enrolments and the buildings are in poor condition. I do not want to prejudge the outcome of the review but the issue is broader than just deciding whether or not to build a new post-primary school. I expect that this review will be completed shortly.

I can assure the Deputy that, in view of the special circumstances of the Seán McDermott Street area. I am extremely anxious to expedite the provision of educational facilities which are most appropriate to the needs of the area.