Student Numbers.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004

Thursday, 19 February 2004

Ceisteanna (98)

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

90 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if new figures available to his Department suggest that student numbers at third level will continue to grow at a significant rate and that they could increase by as much as 20,000 within the next decade; the steps being taken to ensure that such student numbers can be accommodated in the third level system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5250/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The figure quoted by the Deputy is one of many which have been presented by various stakeholders within the higher education area. My Department is reviewing this material, with a view to reconciling projections. This work should be completed within a few weeks. The impact of student numbers on the higher education system will feature in the deliberations of the OECD review of the third level, which is under way.