Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 9

Written Answers. - Third Level Colleges Intake.

Michael Ferris

Ceist:

102 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education if he will outline (a) the effect the declining birth rate and reduced intake into national schools will have on intake into third level colleges in the next eighteen years and (b) his policies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

The effect will be only marginal by the end of the decade. Indeed total enrolments are expected to continue to increase into the beginning of the next century as a result of increased levels of participation, including of mature students seeking second-chance education.

Enrolments would subsequently be expected to stabilise or decline, depending on continuing trends in participation levels.

My Department's policy is to continue to cater for the increasing demand and to implement measures aimed at maximising the participation of those from lower socio-economic groups in third level education.