Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 5

Written Answers. - Third Level Education.

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

145 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of first year students who dropped out in 1999 in each of the universities and institutes of technology; his views on the underlying reasons for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21467/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. Both the Higher Education Authority and the council of directors of institutes of technology have commissioned the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra, to undertake detailed studies on the issue of non-completion. The Dublin Institute of Technology is also conducting a two year quantitative and qualitative investigation of student withdrawal within the institute. My Department is funding these studies which will consider a range of factors as to their effect on completion rates.

The Higher Education Authority is currently developing an oracle based data system to store detailed student related data. From the current academic year, the Higher Education Authority designated institutions will be requested to submit detailed data records on their student populations to the HEA. It will then be possible to trace where students fail to progress to the next year of a course.

A computerised management information systems project is currently in progress as part of the ongoing work to establish modern financial and administrative systems for the institutes of technology. The project has the aim of supporting the efficient and effective administration of the institutions and providing both the institutions and my Department with timely and accurate management information for a variety of purposes. This new system will provide enhanced information on attrition.

The study of attrition or non-completion rates is a complex one. There is no simple explanation and no one simple initiative that will address the issue. The challenge of maximising completion rates, consistent with maintaining appropriate standards is a matter, in the first instance, for individual universities, institutes of technology and the National Council for Educational Awards. While the outcome of the research being undertaken will influence future policy directions in this area, there is a range of initiatives in place to enhance student completion rates.