Joe Walsh
Question:142 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Education whether she has considered the report of the Steering Committee on the Future Development of Higher Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14510/96]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Report.
Decisions have already been taken on the recommendations of the Steering Committee and 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.
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 will give further consideration to the recommendations of the Steering Committee over the next few months in consultation with my colleagues in Government.