Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.

Seán Barrett

Question:

94 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who obtain non-CAO access to university; and the way in which this compares with the target set in the White Paper on Education. [12811/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Through targeted funding provided by the Higher Education Authority since 1996, all the universities have developed initiatives to tackle the problem of access for the disadvantaged to third level education. These initiatives involve links with second level schools and local communities. Examples of these activities include the pathways through education project, supervised study programmes, summer schools, study skills programmes and mentoring. There are two aspects to these programmes, one involving assistance to students to meet the points requirements for courses, enabling them to obtain a third level place through the standard CAO entry procedure. The other aspect of the programmes is the special entry arrangements through which more flexible entry criteria are applied and various supports are put in place for students entering by this method.

For the first time in 1999, results under the LCVP link modules will count for points for entry purposes into the universities. Under the new arrangements, students will be able to use points allocated in the link modules as one of their six subjects for the purpose of points for entry into courses in the universities and Dublin Institute of Technology – 30 points for a pass, 40 for a merit and 50 for a distinction. The Council of Heads of Irish Universities has indicated that the level of points may be adjusted in the future in the light of developments arising from the commission on the points system and from a review of student performance of entrants gaining credits under the link modules.

Whereas all the universities have targets for the number of disadvantaged students they hope will proceed to third level education it will take some time for the effect of these initiatives to be reflected in the actual numbers going on to higher education. Consequently, my Department does not have detailed statistics in relation to student numbers assisted under these initiatives at present. However, the Higher Education Authority is undertaking an evaluation of the initiatives in all the universities and it is hoped that the results of this evaluation will be available before the end of the year. In addition, Professor Patrick Clancy is undertaking his fourth national survey of entrants to higher education on behalf of the Higher Education Authority where the social backgrounds of new entrants to higher education are examined. From a comparison of the results of previous surveys it is evident that a significant reduction in inequality of participation of the various socioeconomic groups has occurred.

I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate the multifaceted nature of the initiatives under way which are indicative, of my commitment to tackle educational disadvantage. These initiatives span the first and second level systems as the need for a holistic approach to promote equality rather than policies focused only on the third-level sector and on the transition from second to third level, is well established. In this regard, fuller participation in third level depends on measures to ensure access to and retention of students in full-time education at first and second levels.

I have recently announced details of a £6.9 million two-year funding initiative to tackle educational disadvantage in the third level sector. Of this funding, £3 million is being specifically allocated to promote access to third level amongst students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including people with disabilities. A further £1.5 million is being provided to address the issue of non-completion of courses in institutes of technology. Details of the allocation of these additional resources will be announced in due course when I have fully considered how best to proceed in these areas.