Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I certainly do. Section 28, on page 27, sets out the eligibility criteria to be met by institutions that wish to become technological universities. The criteria are based on the original criteria set out in the Higher Education Authority's document, Towards a Future Higher Education Landscape. They present a realistic and ambitious set of targets for applicant institutes seeking to achieve technological university status. It is about whether the consortia and the new technological universities meet the criteria. It is not about the existing institutes of technology.

To protect the commitment to level 6 and level 7 programmes and the securing of the necessary talent supply in those relevant skills, it is important that we set out the targets for the applicant institutes that seek technological university status. They also set the bar for higher level programme participation by challenging through attainable targets. The application process requires an applicant institution to demonstrate compliance with the eligibility criteria for technological university designation. The criteria are supported by the Higher Education Authority, HEA, and the Technological Higher Education Association, THEA, and are considered appropriate.

Technological university development consortia have worked towards the eligibility criteria set out in this Bill for a number of years. In my view, it would be not be equitable or justifiable to seek to change the criteria at such a late stage particularly, as I have pointed out, as such criteria are challenging and not, as has been suggested, capable of being comfortably met by each and every institute of technology. The criteria were arrived at through a process of consultation and discussion. They represent a challenge for the applicants, but one that is attainable. I do not support a change of the type proposed in these amendments. Can I speak again later?