Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Department of Education favours new programmes being introduced in areas where there is an identified national need. It is important there is a national need identified. That would demand appropriate engagement, liaison or collaboration with the Department of Education, as well as the Department of further and higher education and the Teaching Council. If the local technological university is in a position to make a proposal, there is an identified need and it chooses to liaise with the three bodies mentioned, that can be given consideration. It is not just one singular responsibility; there is a triumvirate that must be engaged with and it must be seen to be of benefit and to meet a need on the ground.

See this speech in context