Paul Connaughton
Question:44 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he will take to require third level colleges to facilitate part-time students. [12824/99]
Written Answers. - Third Level Courses.
Part-time courses are an essential part of our third level system, offering educational opportunities for those students who are unable to pursue full-time study for a variety of reasons and offer routes for those who wish to update their skills and qualifications. Our third level institutions offer a wild range of part-time options and there were almost 23,000 part-time students enrolled in 1996-97, which is the last year for which complete statistics are available. The numbers of part-time students has remained relatively constant, at around 22,000 to 23,000 over the past few years. While, I concur with the view of the steering committee on the future development of higher education that facilitating students in attending part-time is both highly desirable and cost effective and would encourage third level colleges in this regard, I have no plans to require third level colleges to take any specific steps. Indeed, I believe that the colleges are providing more flexible course options with the increased use of modular courses and distance education options. I would expect that these developments will continue and become more widespread, particularly in the context of the strength of the Irish labour market.