Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputies for their contributions and co-operation on this legislation. It demonstrates the support in this House for the institutes of technology and the value we place on their work, the education they provide, their links with industry, their contribution to individual student development and to the economy. Those of us who have institutes of technology in our areas are aware of the work they have done.

It is significant that today we see the completion rates for students in the sector. They have increased from 57% in 1999 to 75% in 2004. That is an achievement to celebrate because it shows that not only is access succeeding but student support structures are also working. I commend the staff and directors for that.

This significant Bill has broad support. It brings the institutes of technology within the higher education system. It is of critical strategic importance for the future development of higher education in general, not just the institutes of technology. We want to see the institutes reach their full potential, ensuring they will have the opportunity to continue to compete for research funding under SFI and the PRTLI. It will also ensure the entire education system can move forward in an integrated and strategic fashion.

By coming under the umbrella of the HEA, the institutes will move away from the clutches of the Department of Education and Science, giving them more autonomy and managerial freedom. They will be able to meet their institutional objectives and will have the freedom to maximise their contribution to social and economic progress. It will also give an opportunity to put in place more modern, transparent and coherent institutional governance because the Bill defines the roles of the governing body, director and president and ensures there is accountability. It brings modern management practices into higher education institutions, something the directors welcome.

In recent months, I have been privileged to be able to announce a number of initiatives on higher education: the strategic innovation fund for research, the national plan for access, this legislation and the increased investment of almost €8 billion on third level over the next five years. The aim is to make it available to as many as possible while meeting the needs of students and society. I take on board what has been said about the broad base of disciplines offered, it is not all about technology, it is also about art, design and music, the rounded education offered by the institutes of technology.

This Bill is a contribution to the future of higher education but it also recognises the role our vocational education committees, in nurturing the institutes of technology, have played over the years and the contribution they have made in each of the regions and to the economy. As we look forward to Committee and Report Stages, I know there will be full support for the Bill. I thank the Deputies and commend the Bill to the House.

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