Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the OECD report on third level education institutions here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27314/05]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of recommendations from the recent OECD report on higher education here that she intends to actively prioritise over the coming 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27585/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 38 together.

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 Ireland seeking to become a leading knowledge-based society. The Government has approved the broad reform agenda outlined by the OECD and also the bringing forward of legislative proposals to transfer responsibility for management of the institutes of technology to the Higher Education Authority.

This Bill is currently being drafted and effecting this transfer will be a key priority of my Department in the coming year. The bringing together of universities and institutes of technology under a common management structure will facilitate the development of a more strategic approach to higher education within a unified policy framework and the gradual devolution to the institutes of technology of greater academic and managerial autonomy.

In April of this year, I outlined a detailed response to the OECD recommendations. It is clear that many challenges lie ahead and that our higher education institutions require support in equipping themselves to meet the demands of the knowledge society. With this in mind, I announced my intention to create a strategic innovation fund to incentivise reform and modernisation in the sector. My Department and the Higher Education Authority are in discussions about the detailed criteria which should apply to the fund and I anticipate that a first call for proposals will be issued in 2006. I understand that proposals by the HEA for a new funding model for institutions under its remit are also at an advanced stage.

Progress has also been made on other issues raised in the OECD review, in particular the recommendation that research and development issues should be co-ordinated across Government. The valuable work being done by the Office of the Chief Science Adviser to the Government, along with the Cabinet Committee on Science Technology and Innovation, is facilitating the development of a united approach to policy development in this area and will ensure that national objectives can be pursued and achieved within a joined up strategy.

I have signalled my intention to develop comprehensive new legislation to give effect to those OECD recommendations that will involve legislative change. I have also made it quite clear that any proposals I bring forward will take account of the views of the many stakeholders in higher education.