Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will not speak to the amendment because we can discuss the issue of access points and apprenticeships when we introduce amendments later. However, I will echo one point made by Senator Craughwell, namely, that we must be clear and underscore the fact that the institutes of technology are also in the humanities. Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology has a centre for creative arts, Letterkenny Institute of Technology offers law and the humanities, and Waterford Institute of Technology does a range of work in the humanities. Part of the work of institutes of technology involves sociology, philosophy, theology and international relations. This is crucial because it creates a rounded person. However, we must still ensure access points are available at all levels. We can return to that issue.

The polytechnics played a crucial role in the United Kingdom. When I was studying philosophy, I found that subjects such as cultural studies, which polytechnics had placed on the agenda, had become mainstream subjects in universities. New areas of the humanities are being opened up by institutes of technology and I hope technological universities will do likewise in future.