Vol. 451 No. 8
161 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Education the policy which determines the growth of universities; the limits, if any, imposed on their disciplines and size; the projections of student populations at third-level institutions over the next decade; if this will lead to new university centres being set up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7441/95]
The position is that the Higher Education Authority has statutory responsibility to advise me on the need, or otherwise, for new institutions of higher education including universities. A steering committee was established in 1993 under the auspices of the Higher Education Authority to prepare a projection to the year 2015 of the total potential enrolments in higher education and the corresponding provision to be made in the sector to cater for these enrolments. In the context of the overall needs of the economy, the committee will also be looking at the most appropriate balance of total student numbers in relation to disciplines and institutions.
I understand the steering committee will furnish a report shortly which will constitute a major input into the formulation of policy on the future provision required for higher education. The report will be considered by the Higher Education Authority in the first instance. Following receipt and examination of the report, together with the views of the HEA, the necessary policy decisions will be made having regard to available resources.
