Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

Policy for higher education needs to be directed at supporting the development of a higher education system of the highest quality and responsiveness in meeting the needs of the 21st century economy and society. One of the major factors associated with the positive performance of higher education systems internationally is institutional diversity.

I agree with the analysis and conclusion of the recently published national strategy for higher education to 2030 that there is no case for the creation of any new universities on the basis set out in section 9 of the Universities Act 1997. However, I also believe that the development of technological universities of equal status and of significant strength and quality, with their own legislative framework and a distinct mission that is faithful to the ethos of the technological sector, would complement our existing universities in meeting the full range of needs of students and wider society. I believe, therefore, that there is strong merit in the development pathway that has been laid out in the strategy for the creation of technological universities. It is important that any process of redesignation would focus on the capacity of amalgamated institutes of technology to meet mission relevant performance demands. Simply relabelling existing higher education institutions is not an option and to do so would do a grave disservice to the reputation and standing of our system and the needs of our students.

The establishment of a technological university will require the enactment of legislation. More immediately, it will also be necessary to publish the detailed performance criteria for a redesignation process and initial work is under way in developing these. I am committed to publishing these criteria at an early stage. An implementation group has been established and a detailed plan for the overall implementation of recommendations in the national strategy report is being developed. I will consider the scope and timeframe for legislative proposals as part of my wider consideration of that implementation plan.

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