I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 79 and 103 together.
Information is not readily available from all the institutes of technology and universities on the numbers of students who fail to complete third level courses. The reasons for drop out are complex. There is no simple explanation and no one simple initiative that will address the issue. Factors such as motivation, capabilities and suitability are all involved. There must also, of course, be a balance between completion rates on programmes and maintaining the necessary, objective standards. The challenge of maximising completion rates, consistent with maintaining appropriate standards is a matter, in the first instance, for individual universities, institutes of technology and the National Council for Education Awards.
In relation to the university sector, the Higher Education Authority carried out a study in 1994, which indicated a completion rate of 81 per cent, which is high by international standards, for those entering in 1989-90. The authority has commissioned the Educational Research Centre, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra to undertake a further detailed study in this area and a report should be available by the end of 1999.
The annual returns submitted by the institutes of technology to my Department do not provide specific data in relation to the drop out rates. However, a number of initiatives have been taken in the sector to assist the compilation of a data base on attrition/drop out rates and to develop appropriate strategies to address the issues. The council of directors of the institutes of technology has established a national committee on retention with representatives from each institute to focus on maximising success rates for institutes' students. The committee is currently assembling a profile of current good practice in relation to retention across the sector. This profile will be made available to all institutes of technology. The Committee is preparing recommendations in relation to the funding of action projects/programmes both short and long-term based on best practice.
Institutes of technology have introduced a range of initiatives and support services seeking to improve completion rates. These include induction/orientation programmes, course information services, tutor services and systems designed for the early identification of "at risk" first year students.
Three institutes – Dundalk, Carlow and Tralee – have recently completed a pilot study on retention rates for first year students. These findings will inform the national working group.