Dr. Oliver Murphy:

I am president of Institute of Technology Tralee. Along with Mr. Hannigan, we are one of the institutes of technology facing sustainability issues. I strongly endorse Mr. Hannigan's comments about the contribution we have made. During a time of crisis, as a sector, we rose to the challenge. The figures speak for themselves. Staff numbers have decreased, the lecturer-student ratio has increased and there has been no major refurbishment in facilities. We must acknowledge the contribution made by the staff. They have really stepped up to the plate in respect of this and I acknowledge their contribution because without their support, we could not have achieved what we have achieved.

I warmly welcome Deputy Burton's support for technological universities. The Hunt report outlined in a very comprehensive manner the need for a new type of university, namely, a technological university. If you look at countries like Australia and those in northern Europe where these entities have been established, one can see that they have made quite a significant contribution to regional economies. I welcome the support of the committee. I know the committee is discussing the Technological Universities Bill. It is very important that this matter is brought to a successful conclusion because ten out of the 14 institutes of technology are in the process of seeking designation as technological universities. Two of institutes of technology - Institute of Technology Tralee and Cork Institute of Technology - are in the final stage to be become a Munster technological university, while three in Dublin are looking to become a technological university of Dublin. It is important at this stage that the legislative framework is put in place. The Chairman mentioned the possibility of dilution of mission and mission drift. I can assure her that this is far from the case. When one looks at the ethos underpinning a technological university, it is rooted in the region and engagement, particularly with indigenous industry, so I see it as a very important development and I urge the committee to deal with the legislation as quickly as possible.