Brian O'Shea
Question:410 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to locate an outreach centre of Waterford Institute of Technology in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15868/01]
Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.
Last August I announced my plans to strengthen the education base in 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 of second level edu cation and low participation rates in higher education, which are hampering development in these regions.
Following my announcement, the diocesan authorities offered St. Peter's College, Wexford, as a location to facilitate development of a centre with higher education links. The development of this reachout centre is being examined in the context of my overall plans and in consultation with the Department of Finance. Waterford Institute of Technology has expressed an interest in being involved with the proposals for Wexford and this possibility is being examined.