John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

Funding has increased by 102% for the institutes although student numbers have increased by only 28%. The level of research has also improved. Under the national development plan, €2.5 billion is being spent, with €605 million of that figure going on the programme for research in third level institutions, PRTLI.

One of the key proposals talked of was the idea of placing the institutes under the HEA. Subject to the approval of Government, it was my intention to do so immediately in terms of their administrative basis to give the institutes the status and recognition. However, as I indicated to them at the colloquium last week, the legal advice is that I cannot do so without legislation. In the next few weeks we will be bringing a document to Government regarding how we might move ahead on the OECD report but unfortunately I cannot move on the issue in question as quickly as I would have liked, although the intention was there.

Internationalisation was mentioned. E-learning was not covered, but that is a whole new ball game which will develop separately but also as part of the development of the third level institutes.

Regarding internationalisation, we had a very successful visit to China. We are encouraging and attracting people on the basis of a quality education. We are not looking for many thousands of students but for top quality students to come and receive a top quality education. We want to ensure that we can meet our targets on the Bologna process but also to guarantee that Irish students will not lose places simply because we are trying to attract foreign students.

All Senators have noted the importance of access and the ladder of progression. Senator Henry talked about the investment needed at pre-school level. Senator Ormonde spoke about second level and Senator Tuffy spoke of disadvantage at that level, which we are currently working on, drafting and redrafting proposals. We will shortly come back to that matter.

Access has been improved. What I am concerned about in the third level sector is retention and supports for people. There seems to be an attitude in some of the institutes that once they attract students who are deemed to be disadvantaged for whatever reasons, those students can survive on their own, when in reality they cannot do so. I have to challenge the universities and institutes to ensure they have proper support programmes in place for these students when they attract them to their institutions.

This important report has raised a range of topics. I do not intend implementing it word for word but I intend to implement the key recommendations which can allow Ireland to further develop the quality third level education we have in this country with a view to fostering the type of industrial spirit we have, to foster the knowledge economy, to ensure we can meet Ireland's future needs in the world economy and also to ensure that all students are given an opportunity to reach their potential whether it be in the humanities, arts, sciences or medicine.