I will ensure that adequate capital resources are made available so that there will be sufficient places for pupils and students seeking first, second and third level education both now and in the future.
National demographic trends indicate that the number of pupils attending first and second level schools will decline significantly in the short to medium term. This pattern is already clearly evident at first level, where total enrolments have fallen by around 10,000 per year for the last few years and will continue to decline until 2005. At second level, enrolments have already peaked and will also decline for the next number of years. The indications are that total enrolments will show marginal increases from 2005 at first level and from 2011 or 2012 at second level.
Within the national demographic trend, variations will occur in local school areas, particularly where major housing developments are taking place. In such areas, extended or new school facilities may have to be provided and the extent of additional accommodation will be determined by my Department, in consultation with local educational interests.
The Commission on School Accommodation, which was set up in 1996, will assist my Department in recommending criteria and procedure for school planning and provision, having regard to such factors as demographic change and the need for plurality within the system.
At third level, the report of the Steering Committee on the Future Development of Higher Education, which was published in June 1995, sets out the parameters in the growth in higher education. This report was accepted by the then Government as a benchmark for the future planning of the sector, subject to regular review. The first such review is currently being carried out by a study group established under the chairmanship of Dr. Donal de Buitléir. The study group's remit is to advise on the appropriate level of provision of education and training places for school leavers and others. I understand that the group's report will be available in the near future, at which stage I will consider its findings.
Since taking office, I have secured very substantial resources for the third level sector to enable it to continue to support our economic development and I will continue to keep the level of provision at third level under review. In this regard, I have provided extra funding to create some 1,450 additional places in 1997-98, in software courses at degree and technician level and technology courses at national certificate level.
The Government has also announced the establishment of the £250 million education technology investment fund. One of the objectives of the fund is to develop new areas of activities in our institutions, especially where emerging skills needs have already been identified. The additional investment of £60 million targeted for the skills area will facilitate the provision of additional places in skill needs areas.
