Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I am cognisant of the OECG report, which discussed the binary system in Ireland and the distinct roles of the institutes of technology and universities. That has led to the success of regional development in this country and I want to ensure nothing impinges on that. That report indicated in particular that this system should be protected, and naturally I want to do so.

I am equally cognisant of the regional argument being made by Waterford IT and that it has developed an academic expertise. Since the application came in, a number of significant events have happened, particularly the introduction of the legislation on the institutes of technology. That addressed many of the issues raised by Waterford Institute of Technology in its application. These included monetary issues, the management structure, academic freedom and budgets. All those were addressed by the legislation, which changed the context for the Port report.

Dr. Port discusses in the report that there are no criteria in this country——

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