Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Third Level Education.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

229 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of second level students who go on to third level education in each county for the past three years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18581/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department does not compile statistics on the proportion of second level students going on to third level education in each county on an annual basis.

In his national surveys of entry to higher education compiled on behalf of the Higher Education Authority, Professor Patrick Clancy assesses county participation rates. The latest figures available are set out in Professor Clancy's 1995 report, Access to College: Patterns of Continuity and Change. The 1995 report is based on a national survey of entrants to full-time higher education in autumn 1992. This report also contains comparative data from the earlier reports undertaken by Professor Clancy based on surveys in 1980 and 1986. I am arranging for a copy of the relevant extract from Professor Clancy's 1995 report to be furnished to the Deputy.

Professor Clancy and Joy Wall are currently analysing the pattern of participation based on entrants to higher education in 1998. I understand that an initial report based on the socio-economic background of entrants will be published shortly and that a general report, which will include an assessment of county participation rates, will be published later this year.