Jim O'Keeffe
Question:35 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to progress the Government decision made in April 1997 to establish a west Cork third level campus in Skibbereen, County Cork. [2710/02]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Centres.
I announced my plans in 2000 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 at second level education 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.
Following further consideration of the matter, it was decided last year to proceed with plans to develop centres in Wexford and Kilkenny. The position, as already outlined to the Deputy last October, is that proposals for similar initiatives in other areas, including Skibbereen, will be reviewed in the light of the experience gained from the development of the centres in Wexford and Kilkenny and in the context of the resources which are available.