This is the full statement released last night by the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, in response to the Higher Education Authority's (HEA) report on non-completion rates in university courses:
The Minister for Education and Science, Dr Woods, yesterday welcomed the publication of A Study of Non-completion in Undergraduate University Courses.
The report was produced by the Educational Research Centre, St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, at the request of the Higher Education Authority.
Dr Woods said: "Previous studies on non-completion have either been limited in size or have focused on specific institutions and there has been a gap in our knowledge on the subject. I am pleased that we now have a comprehensive study of non-completion across universities and fields of study which will enable improved targeting of preventive measures. A parallel study focusing on institutes of technology will be available shortly."
The report shows that of all first-time entrants to universities in the academic year 1992/93, 67.9 per cent of students graduated on time, a further 15.3 per cent graduated late giving an overall completion rate of 83 per cent.
The Minister said: "While an overall completion rate of 83 per cent is high by international standards, the report reveals substantial variation in this rate by field of study and institution. I am committed to ensuring that the problem of non-completion is tackled head-on. Measures are already in place to address the problem under the targeted initiative introduced by the Higher Education Authority, which supports university action in the area.
"However, the question of dropout must become a core focus for all our education institutions."
Dr Woods said he has asked the HEA to convene a national seminar involving both the educational institutions and the social partners to consider the issues raised in the reports on non-completion.
The Minister also said he fully supports the recommendation in the report that all universities should develop explicit policies on retention and he has asked the HEA to review these policies within 12 months.