Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I am unsure of the precise technical answer to that question but let me offer an opinion. I have established a good working relationship with my counterpart in Northern Ireland who now has total responsibility for higher level education. This was previously the remit of another Minister in the Executive there. He has the same range as I have now. We are considering cross-Border collaboration in several ways.

I imagine a university recognised by two separate, legal jurisdictions would require the co-operation and agreement of both. I am not averse to it. There are seven universities here as well as the Dublin Institute of Technology and there are two universities in Northern Ireland. The report calls for collaboration and I support this call. When I met the presidents and chairpersons of the 14 institutes of technology I indicated they should consider an all-Ireland collaborative approach to third level provision in future. If that collaboration moves in the direction of a technological university then I do not envisage the Border as a barrier. However, any institution would have to meet the academic criteria and the standards set out. If this means collaboration between Belfast and Dublin to achieve it, I am open to that. I am offering this to the Deputy as an opinion; it has not, as yet, come about. If the Higher Education Authority were to decide after six months that such a joint approach is a credible one and should be facilitated, then we would have to take the steps - between Belfast and Dublin and possibly London, although that is unlikely - to allow it to happen.

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