Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 16 together.

The National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 lays out a clear development pathway for amalgamated institutes of technology which meet specified performance criteria to seek redesignation as technological universities. I have asked the Higher Education Authority for its formal advice on draft performance criteria, and the authority is currently engaged in a consultation process. I expect to be in a position to publish the criteria before the end of December. As I said earlier to the Deputy, I hope to do that this side of Christmas. Once a process is in place, it will be open to institutes of technology to come together to make applications for consideration for redesignation. All applications will be considered under an independent assessment process.

Waterford Institute of Technology has an excellent reputation for industry collaboration and for its highly skilled graduates. It has strong links with the TalkTalk workforce and is actively working with the other education and training providers and agencies in the region to support those who are losing their jobs.

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