Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
1280. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of participation of men and women, respectively, in third level education in each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31394/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table contained in the attached document outlines the proportion of undergraduate new entrants to higher education from 2005/06 to 2014/15 by gender. A new entrant is a first-time participant in higher education entering in the first year of an undergraduate programme.
The proportions by gender will vary by institution type. In 2005/06 in the Institute of Technology sector 52% of undergraduate new entrants were male and 48% female compared to 41% male and 59% female in the university sector. In 2014/15 these rates had changed to 56% males in the Institute of Technology sector and 46% males in the University sector. Overall in the last 10 years the proportion of males participating in higher education has increased although it has stabilised in the last 6 years. The rates will also vary by discipline for example in 2014/15 71% of all undergraduate new entrants to Technology disciplines (Science, ICT and Engineering) were male compared to 42% of all other disciplines (Arts, Humanities, Business, Services Agriculture and Veterinary and Healthcare).
Breakdown of Participation by Men and Women in Higher Education
|
Academic Year |
Male % |
Female % |
|
2005/06 |
46% |
54% |
|
2006/07 |
46% |
54% |
|
2007/08 |
47% |
53% |
|
2008/09 |
48% |
52% |
|
2009/10 |
50% |
50% |
|
2010/11 |
50% |
50% |
|
2011/12 |
50% |
50% |
|
2012/13 |
50% |
50% |
|
2013/14 |
50% |
50% |
|
2014/15 |
50% |
50% |
