Jim O'Keeffe
Question:77 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to implement the Government decision to establish the west Cork third level campus in Skibbereen; and his proposals in this regard. [26600/02]
Written Answers. - Third Level Education Centres.
As the Deputy is aware, in 2000 my predecessor announced 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 in order to address the related problems of non-completion at second level education and low participation rates in higher education.
Following further consideration of the matter it was decided last year to proceed with plans to develop outreach centres in Wexford and Kilkenny. The position, as already outlined to the Deputy in October 2001 in January 2002, and in June 2002, 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.