Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with that and I look forward to visiting the National Maritime College of Ireland later this year with Deputy Stanton and exploring how we can work together to offer support. I thank him for keeping in touch with me regarding this subject. When we talk about the technological universities, I very much believe they are equal to but distinct from the traditional universities. This is important; they are equal and there is parity of esteem. They are universities and it is possible to get any one of the whole spectrum of university qualifications right up to a PhD. These institutions do, however, have a distinctive mission. This is not just my view, a mission that was legally sanctioned by inclusion in the Technological Universities Act 2018. It is important that people remain true to this objective, and I believe they will. This means engaging with industry, for example, providing for local skills needs and access and inclusion in respect of how programmes are delivered.

I do wish to see work done on the career structures. There will be great opportunities if we can get new academic contracts agreed through the OECD process and subsequent engagement. I also refer to making these institutions more research intensive, improving their capital resources and ensuring they have access to the borrowing framework, particularly for student accommodation. These are some of our next priorities in the sector.

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