Tom McEllistrim (Kerry North, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this important issue. I call on the Minister for Education and Science to grant university status to the Institute of Technology, Tralee.

The past 40 years have seen a massive expansion in the growth and range of higher education institutions worldwide. In Ireland, as in many other countries, the response to demand for third level education resulted in the establishment of institutions with the specific remit of being close to the world of work. The development and growth of the network of institutes of technology has greatly enhanced access to third level education across the country and to many students who might not have entered third level were they not available.

Our third level institutions have responded well to the demands of a rapidly changing Ireland and a changing world and they are uniquely placed to respond to new demands of both a local and international nature. All our institutes of technology have established reputations in teaching, innovation and research but many of those centrally involved in our institutes now say the dual titling system in Ireland is creating unnecessary confusion.

New thinking is now emerging on the needs of current and future workforces, the economy and society. Across the world, different models are being developed for universities that better reflect the increasing diversity of types of institutions in higher education. In other countries systems have now been developed and re-aligned in response to the needs of students and society. Some countries, such as Germany and Finland, have dealt with the ambiguity of the institutional title by reclassifying their equivalent institutions as "universities of applied science". This has not only addressed ambiguities but has also enhanced the ability of these colleges to attract students and compete more effectively for research funding and trade internationally.

The agreed paper on university designation from 12 institutes of technology, including the Institute of Technology, Tralee, asks that the matter be addressed now rather than allow growing local campaigns to distract from the real issues of meeting the rising knowledge needs of young people, the workforce, enterprise and the economy. The paper states maintaining the status quo is not sustainable and outlines three options: federal university arrangements among all institutes of technology; federal arrangements between institutes of technology and existing universities; or the renaming of the institutes to include "university" in the title.

At the Institute of Technology, Tralee, one of the signatories to the aforementioned agreed paper, students are offered a wide range of courses within a dynamic learning environment. With superb facilities and student services, the institute has been to the forefront of learning since its establishment and has gained a reputation as a centre of distinction for teaching, learning, research and academic achievement.

The mission statement of the institute is: "To excel in teaching, research and development work, for the benefit of students, industry and the wider community". It offers a range of programmes ranging from certificate through to honours degree, masters and PhD level. Enhancing the taught programmes is a world class programme of research. The institute is a major contributor, both nationally and regionally, to economic, social and cultural development. Its programmes and research activities are influenced by national and regional needs and constantly refined to absorb the very latest developments and innovations.

The institute shares its campus with Kerry Technology Park and has fostered close links with companies based there. The multi-million euro development master plan has seen significant developments in learning, teaching, research and student sports facilities, providing quality facilities for learners. The institute has a strong record of innovation in programme design and delivery and has led the sector in a number of areas, for example, the add-on degree structure; e-learning and methodologies; video conferencing and so on.

Strong links with external organisations and companies result in the institute delivering a true competitive advantage to the business community. It is committed to maintaining the highest levels of quality education and research through further developing its collaborative links with industry and educational and research institutions internationally. The range of activities undertaken properly classifies the institute as a university and it is actually recognised as such within the European Union.

Further expansion of international activities is planned. It is vitally important that the status of the institute is readily understood at home and abroad. University designation would be hugely beneficial for the regional economy, providing a further incentive for investment by both local and international industry. It would mean better recognition for the college on an international level and broaden the scope for collaboration with universities worldwide. The application for university status is based on merit. In most countries the term "university" would be the only accurate description for the institution that the Institute of Technology Tralee has become. I urge the Minister to consider conferring university status on the institute.

See this speech in context