Paul Connaughton
Question:51 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. [15536/99]
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 wide 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. The colleges are providing more flexible course options with the increased use of modular courses and distance education options. I expect that these developments will continue and become more widespread, particularly in the context of the strength of the Irish labour market.