Vol. 465 No. 3
166 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that in Irish universities there is only one doctor available to care for every 8,700 students; her views on the sufficiency of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9668/96]
The matter referred to by the Deputy was the subject of a paper presented at a recent seminar organised by the Higher Education Authority. The Higher Education Authority has the statutory function of advising my Department on all aspects of third level education.
I understand the Higher Education Authority intends to publish the proceedings of the seminar and to formulate a policy document. I also understand that the Higher Education Authority then proposes to make recommendations to my Department.
The demand for the services of a doctor in universities varies from college to college. Some students prefer to remain with their own general practitioner rather than attend a college doctor.
