Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 8

Written Answers. - Third Level Participation Rates.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

142 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education her views on the inequalities revealed by a recent study of the Steering Committee on the Future of Higher Education; the plans, if any, she has to increase the low levels of higher education participation from the many deprived areas of Dublin city; and her further views on whether the six Dublin centres of higher education have a special responsibility in resolving this problem. [1264/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I can confirm the accuracy of reports that research undertaken on behalf of the Steering Commmittee on Third Level Education shows very high disparities in the participation rates in third level education by students from different areas in Dublin. These present findings confirm the unequal participation by different social groups in higher education and, of course, give cause for concern.

I should stress that even though the research results appear to be very interesting and relevant, I have not yet received any reports or recommendations from the steering committee. This committee was set up by me in December 1993 and is at present examining the future development of higher education. A variety of technical working papers on aspects of the remit of the committee have been prepared by a technical working group which is assisting the steering committee. Only preliminary discussions have taken place and no final conclusions have been reached or recommendations made by either the technical working group or the steering committee. This is the second time that reports submitted to the steering committee have been "leaked" to the media. At the least this does not help the steering committee in its analytical work and in submitting recommendations to me.

I do not intend to give a considered policy response to these reports until I have received a report from the steering committee. However, a number of valuable indicators do seem to be emerging from this work. One of the conclusions is that students who do well in the leaving certificate are likely to go on to third level irrespective of their social and economic background. This conclusion confirms my own view that the struggle for equality of opportunity may be won or lost at primary and post primary levels and even at pre-school. As the Deputy knows, I have implemented a range of decisions to improve the situation for disadvantaged students at all levels — not just third level.