Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

I welcome the publication of the Bill, which will provide for a major restructuring of the third level education sector. The Bill's main purpose is to provide for the transfer of a range of responsibilities relating to the governance, funding and operations of the institutes from the Department of Education and Science to the Higher Education Authority.

It is welcome that the Bill contains many of the recommendations of both the expert working group report on the future position and roles of the institutes of technology and the 2004 OECD review of higher education policy in Ireland. The provisions of the Bill will allow the institutes to continue to respond efficiently to meet national and regional economic and social needs.

The story of our institutes of technology is one of total success. They started life as regional technical colleges, the first of which was opened in 1970. At the time, it was determined the colleges were required to ensure technically qualified people were produced to ensure demands arising from planning and industrial developments were met. After a shaky start, the RTCs developed into high level institutions, awarding their own degrees under delegated authority from HETAC. Most of the institutes can now make awards to masters level, while four have authority to make awards at doctoral level, clearly illustrating the progress made by them and indicating the excellent academic standards in the sector.

One of the greatest features of the institutes is their regional remit. This is important because we in the west are continually fighting a battle to get the Government to give real meaning and expression to its verbalising on balanced regional development. Almost in spite of Government policy the institutes, by their regional basis, have set a framework in education that should be pursued in other areas. Unfortunately, the Government has not yet learned from the success story that has brought so many benefits to the regions. The benefits of the regional focus cannot be overstated. Many of the institutes have formed community and commercial links in their regions and the success of these links and the resultant benefits for the regions are enormous.

Placing the institutes of technology under the control of the Higher Education Authority and removing them from the Department of Education and Science is a true recognition of the important role of the ITs. It is also a recognition of the progress made by the ITs in educational terms since the foundation of the RTCs. From a shaky start, the institutes can now offer diverse courses in science, engineering, business, music, art, tourism, software development, nursing and agriculture among others.

I acknowledge the contribution made by the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology located in my county. It has made a major contribution to the west. I commend the Bill to the House.

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