Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 1

Written Answers. - Blanchardstown (Dublin) Regional College.

Brian Lenihan

Question:

161 Mr. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education when she will conclude her current examination of the report of the steering committee on the future development of higher education and the advice of the Higher Education Authority in relation to the siting of a regional technical college in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. [11013/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Some decisions have already been taken on the recommendations of the steering committee and the Higher Education Authority.

As the Deputy will be aware, I have already announced the provision of 6,200 additional places in the university sector over the next five years. These places will involve a capital investment of £60 million to be provided by equal contributions of public and private sector funding.

In addition, I have begun consultations with the authorities in the regional technical colleges regarding the change of title for these colleges as recommended in the report.

Arrangements are proceeding and fundings has been allocated for the implementation of the Government decision to establish a new regional technical college in Dún Laoghaire and to pioneer a new type of institution in the extra university sector in the Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute.

I regard these initiatives as the first steps in the implementation of the recommendations of the steering committee report. The decision in regard to the university sector is a major step forward in the implementation of the report.

I hope to progress further issues arising from the recommendations of the steering committee over the next few months in consultation with my colleagues in Government.