Written Answers - Local Education Initiatives.
Liam Aylward
Question:
673
Mr. Aylward
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the progress to date on his initiative launched in August 2000 to develop higher education and strengthen the education base in local regions; and when a report on this initiative is likely to be available.
[12174/01]
Last August I announced my plans to strengthen the education base in a number of regions which are not well served at present and to establish effective links with higher and further education institutions. My intention is to address the related problems of non-completion at second-level and low participation rates in higher education, which are hampering development in these regions. I intend to put in place supports to encourage completion of the leaving certificate and to enable advancement to localised higher education opportunities.
After my announcement, the Ferns diocesan authorities responded by offering St. Peter's Col lege, Wexford, as a location to facilitate development of a centre with higher education links. When I visited Wexford on 30 August last, I indicated that I was prepared to provide funding to establish an outreach centre at St. Peter's College. I indicated that I envisaged the proposed centre as having a local management body and a dedicated budget. I also identified the need for a project plan as a necessary preliminary to the establishment of the proposed centre. I suggested that a local co-ordinator-director be appointed to drive the project and draw up a project plan. At the request of the local steering committee I asked the director of the Institute of Technology, Carlow, and Wexford county manager to submit a proposal to my Department in this regard, which they duly did.
The proposal submitted to my Department involves the creation of a new post. In this regard my Department and the Department of Finance have had ongoing discussions regarding the appointment of staff to progress my proposals at the local level.
I also met with local representatives in Kilkenny last August. Both the National University of Ireland, NUI, in Maynooth and the Institute of Technology, Carlow, are involved in separate provision in the city. A detailed strategic plan for the development of the Kilkenny campus was sent to the Higher Education Authority. Pending discussions of the proposal with representatives of NUI Maynooth, the Higher Education Authority allocated £150,000 to the project in December 2000.
Following discussion of the plan with representatives of the university, the Higher Education Authority provided detailed advice to my Department at the end of January on the general question of reach-out provision and on the specific issue of the university's involvement in Kilkenny. I have considered this advice carefully and will shortly make an announcement in respect of the provision in Kilkenny.
