asked the Minister for Education when the Government will issue their planned discussion document on all aspects of third level education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Third Level Discussion Document.
13.
The discussion paper which it is proposed to issue relates not to all aspects of third level education but to meeting future demands for third level education and derives from a commitment to that effect given in the Programme for Action in Education. I hope the paper will be published in the not too distant future but I am not in a position to give the Deputy a date for publication.
I understood the Minister to say that he cannot give a date for the publication of the document. Would the Minister agree that the huge upsurge in the numbers seeking entry to third level colleges makes the publication of this document and its findings extremely important to ensure proper planning for the next decade for third level needs?
I agree with the Deputy. As she is aware, there has been a massive capital commitment for building at third level stage provided by the Government but other measures are necessary. They will be addressed in this paper. I agree it is important that the paper be issued as soon as possible. I have to take some of the blame for the delay because it is available in draft form but due to pressures of one kind or another since my appointment I have not got as far as giving it final approval. Hopefully, from next Friday there will be more time available for many important tasks such as that. I share the Deputy's anxiety to see it published early.
I take it from what the Minister has said that the document is in draft form. As there will now be more time to devote to it, can it be expected for the new third level year beginning in late September-early October this year? I would also like to ask the Minister if he is aware of the proposed infrastructural development at third level, namely, the new regional colleges which are a long time in gestation? Does the proposed discussion document talk just not about places but also about the grant-loan scheme? In other words, does the proposed document envisage aspects other than the provision of places?
I would prefer not to discuss the contents of the document at this stage. Its thrust is to meet future demands for third level education.
Will it be published before the autumn?
That is my ambition. It is a discussion paper. It will be open for submissions which will then have to be considered. It is too soon to say when the implementation will take place.