Alan Shatter
Question:38 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the design capacity of Mary Immaculate College and St. Patrick's Training College compared to their current enrolment; and his views on the overcrowding. [20013/99]
Written Answers. - Third Level Enrolment.
I am aware that there has been an increased intake by the colleges in the teacher education sector as a result of the growing need in this area. I understand the design capacity of the main facility of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick was for a student population of 750, while the number of full-time students for the 1998-99 period was 1,575 and that the design capacity of the main facility of St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra was for a student population of 800, while the number of full-time students for the 1998-99 period was 1,203.
The additional student numbers have been accommodated by the variable use of space by the colleges and through the use of rented and temporary accommodation.
Both of these colleges have submitted capital development plans which are being actively considered by my Department.