Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 5

Written Answers. - Higher Education Report.

Donal Moynihan

Question:

67 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Education her views on whether inequitable constraints are placed on Cork students and in particular, on the Cork Regional Technical College arising from the interim report from the Higher Education Committee. [6326/96]

Batt O'Keeffe

Question:

76 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education her views on whether inequitable constraints are placed on Cork students and in particular, on the Cork Regional Technical College arising from the interim report from the Higher Education Committee. [5760/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 76 together.

The steering committee on the future development of higher education was established under the aegis of the Higher Education Authority to advise on the future development of the higher education system. The work of the committee was supported by an expert technical working group which carried out research on the issues underpinning the terms of reference of the steering committee.

The committee's published report, which takes account of the interim report of the technical working group, is based on a comprehensive and rigorous analysis of the demographic and policy framework and a thorough examination of the needs of all regions of the country.

The steering committee set out indicative full-time student numbers by institution for the years 2000-01 and 2006-07. These include a large increase in student numbers in the Regional Technical College, Cork.

The report of the steering committee is currently being examined together with the recommendations of the Higher Education Authority. When this process is completed I will take the necessary decisions on the various recommendations in consultation with my colleagues in Government. In the interim I am unable to comment further on the matter.