Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I thank the Minister and her staff. I reiterate the point made yesterday by Senator Ryan that it is very important for the Government and the State to provide the type of facilities available in universities for students in institutes of technology. The level of resources available has an effect on students. While students will consider the type of course and what they intend to do after college, the choice of where to study will be influenced by the type of facilities available. I know of students who have been happy with their education at institutes of technology but felt disadvantaged by the comparison with facilities at the universities.

I refer particularly to the facilities that help students to enjoy college life, not just those related to classes or the canteen. Some colleges have more space for clubs, societies and sports facilities and are effectively mini-campuses. Students might be in college until late at night and can spend the bulk of their time there. They need somewhere to mix and relax with fellow students. The institutes of technology need more resources to provide that service to the level that is available in some universities.

It is important that the institutes of technology have a role in terms of what is planned for the new type of medical education. If we want to develop access to medicine courses by people from different socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and mature students, it is important the institutes of technology feed into the postgraduate medical courses and perhaps develop a role in postgraduate medical education.