Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe.

Applications have been received from three institutes of technology, namely, Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology, for designation as universities. These applications raise significant issues regarding Government policy towards higher education, in particular regarding the existing roles of universities and institutes of technology, which have distinctive missions, provide different levels and types of academic programmes, fulfil different roles in the community and have separate academic and governance structures.

Waterford Institute of Technology is a very important institution and makes a significant contribution to education generally and the economic and social well-being of the south-east region. It has an excellent track record of industry collaboration, particularly in the areas of applied research and curriculum design. The Government wants to see Waterford Institute of Technology further develop its strengths in these areas in line with the objectives of the Government's strategy for science technology and innovation.

Since the applications for university status were received, there have been significant changes in the legislative and regulatory framework governing the institute of technology sector. The Institutes of Technology Act 2006 provides for the creation of a unified management structure framework for higher education in Ireland by bringing the institute of technology sector under the remit of the Higher Education Authority. The legislation also extends significant managerial and academic autonomy to the institutes, with a view to facilitating further development of their roles.

In its review of the Irish higher education sector conducted in 2004, the OECD found that the differentiation of mission within the sector contributed significantly to Irish economic growth and recommended that no further institutional transfers be made to the university sector. Building on the reform agenda that has been under way since the publication of the OECD report five years ago and in recognition of the critical role that the higher education system plays in generating the skills, knowledge and innovation on which Ireland's future competitive advantage depends, the Government believes it is time to develop a new national higher education strategy which will provide a road map for the future development of the sector.

The process to develop a new strategy was launched by the Minister last month and is being led by a high level steering group which draws on national and international expertise and includes representatives from business, community and student interests as well as senior Government officials. The strategy process will examine how well Ireland's higher education system is performing, how it ranks internationally, how well existing resources are being used and how the system can be reconfigured to meet the challenges it will face over the next two decades. The process is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Pending its completion, there are no plans to advance any of the current applications for university status.

I have a feeling that I read a reply on the same issue one year ago. The situation appears to be evolving but I do not think the intention is to mess up Waterford. It is important to formulate long-term Government thinking before making a final decision. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter.

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