Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her Department's opinion on the OECD report on third level education institutions here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18723/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The OECD review of Irish higher education makes a series of far reaching recommendations for reform and development of the sector, against the backdrop of the crucial role which has been identified for it in helping to achieve the broad strategic national goal of becoming a leading knowledge-based society. I recently secured Government approval to the broad reform agenda outlined by the OECD and to the early introduction of legislative proposals to transfer responsibility for management of the institutes of technology from my Department to the Higher Education Authority.

In April, I outlined my initial response to the OECD recommendations and announced my intention to create a strategic innovation fund to incentivise restructuring and modernisation in the sector. However, I have made it quite clear that the final shape of future policy for the sector will take account of the views of those working in and with it. To this end, I and my Department are engaging in an extensive consultation process with stakeholders. I attended a colloquium in January with the HEA, CHIU, DIT and the council of directors of institutes of technology. This week, my Department organised and chaired a consultative forum on future strategy for research and development, which was attended by all relevant bodies in this area. When the consultation process is complete, I intend to return to Government with further proposals for reform and development of the sector.