Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Is it time the pay and pensions of staff were examined? Mr. Costello has said the universities have not had a chance to determine the levels which I know are managed under the Croke Park agreement. However, I would like him to deal with this point.

With regard to the IT sector, how many jobs did Dr. Hinfelaar say the institutes had contributed to creating? She has mentioned a figure for the incubation and innovation centres which ties in with my original question. One can access some courses in the institutes of technology with as few as 150 points. How are these students managing? What is the dropout rate among them? What are their outcomes and what supports are specifically provided for them? In view of the cuts made, can the institutes of technology support them now?

I thank Professor Ryan for his presentation. It is great that Ireland has led the way in the Bologna process. He has said its influence is no longer European but global. How many students from abroad have had their qualifications accepted here in the time this process has been up and running? Who makes this assessment?

With the European credits transfer, is it possible, using this methodology within the overarching theme, for the sake of argument, to obtain a masters in the arts or a particular disciple and for a student to achieve six credits in one university and six in others? Is it possible to accumulate credits in this way to obtain a degree as that would be an incredible student experience?

Professor Ryan mentioned strategic international alliances which will ultimately result in a huge benefit in terms of trade. Two weeks ago I brought 26 principals and deputy principals to China and we looked at introducing Mandarin as a subject here. During that visit I met 120 Chinese students who had been to university in Ireland. As a result of that experience, they are committed Ireland to which they have a strong bond. That is the way to build alliances. I see the Bologna process as having merit in that regard. Will Professor Ryan comment on this.

I was struck by the presentations of Ms Lowry and Ms Bezborodova. How many young non-EU migrants currently in university would be disadvantaged? Are they paying the same fees as international students? There would be a serious discrepancy if that was the case. Am I correct in saying they are citizens of another country until they become citizens of Ireland? In a roundabout way would the Bologna process work in their favour? Professor Ryan might comment on this issue also.