Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader request the Minister for Education and Science to come to the House before he moves on to a new area? In view of this morning's report from the CAO regarding the declining number of applicants for places in third level institutions, we face a crisis in certain areas, particularly science. For the third consecutive year the number of applicants for science has declined, despite the efforts of the Minister and the Government to promote science as an important area. Declining numbers will have serious consequences for business and IT, our priority areas in industry.

Three years ago, a White Paper on education indicated that by 2006 there would be a 15% increase in the adult participation rate at third level education. However, at present, the participation rate stands at less than 5%. It is important that the Minister comes to the House to explain why he has failed in this area also, particularly with regard to access for the disadvantaged.