Vol. 523 No. 5
308 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if research has been carried out to identify trends in third level education with particular reference to identifying subjects now chosen by students which will enhance their employment prospects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21730/00]
I am not aware of any research which seeks specifically to identify trends in third level education with reference to identifying subjects now chosen by students which will enhance their employment prospects. The Deputy may be interested in the research undertaken by Dr. David Tuohy of the education department in University College Dublin. Dr. Tuohy was engaged by the Commission on the points system to undertake research in relation to demand for third level places, and in particular, into interest patterns in the applications process and student profiles for particular courses. I am arranging for a copy of Dr. Tuohy's report to be forwarded to the Deputy.
The Higher Education Authority produces an annual report entitled First Destination of Awards Recipients in Higher Education based on a survey of graduates as at 30 April following receipt of an award. This series of reports contains data on higher education courses taken and the subsequent employment patterns/prospects. The latest published survey is that in respect of 1998 graduates which was published in January 2000. This survey found that for the first time ever over half of the recipients, 50.7%, obtained employment in Ireland, while the percentage obtaining employment abroad was 8%, the lowest in over ten years. The percentage engaged in further study or training was 35% and the percentage seeking employment was 2.4%.
309 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if sufficient third level educational opportunities exist to meet the requirements of the health industry, with particular reference to medical and nursing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21731/00]
The position in relation to nursing is that the revised programme for basic pre-registration nurse education and training is currently funded by the Department of Health and Children. The Commission on Nursing has recommended that the future framework for the pre-registration education of nurses should be based on a four year degree programme which will encompass clinical placements, including twelve months continuous clinical placement as a paid employee of the health service. The Commission envisaged that the start of the 2002-03 academic year would be specified as the commencement date of the proposed new degree programme. The nursing education forum was established by the Minister for Health and Children to agree a strategy for the implementation of degree level pre-registration nursing education and training. I understand that the forum is due to report shortly.
The position in relation to medical education is that the current intake to undergraduate medical courses is the subject of a quota, which was introduced in 1980/81 following a report of the Higher Education Authority. The question of reviewing the current quota arrangements is currently being considered by my Department in consultation with the Department of Health and Children.
An expert group was established by the Minister for Health and Children in accordance with Labour Court Recommendation 15515 to address, inter alia, the education and training of certain paramedic grades, including speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Following the final report of the expert group, the Minister for Health and Children has approved the terms of reference for a workforce study on physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. The terms of reference have been agreed with the Higher Education Authority and the authority will be represented on the steering group for the study. As an interim measure, in response to the shortages of professionals in these disciplines, arrangements have been made to increase the number of places available for the 2000-01 academic year.
