Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 810: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 5 July 2007, the reason AIT was unsuccessful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20891/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister for Health and Children, Ms. Mary Harney T.D., and I recently announced the establishment of a School of Podiatry at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). The announcement followed a call for proposals for the establishment of a Podiatry programme organised by the HEA on behalf of the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science. Proposals were received from Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology, NUI Galway, University College Cork, University College Dublin, and University of Limerick.

An expert panel of independent external assessors was set up to evaluate and make recommendations on the proposals. The panel was made up of three expert members: a podiatrist holding a Head of School position in a UK University, a podiatrist who formerly held a Head of School position in a UK University and a consultant professor of rheumatology in a major hospital in the UK. In evaluating the proposals, the panel had regard to the criteria outlined in the call for proposals namely: curriculum content, clinical training, strategy and value for money.

The panel noted the work already done by the institute to develop an existing curriculum, and the links fostered with Plymouth University. They also noted that the programme has already been accredited. The documentation and presentation did not convince the panel on how inter-professional learning will be facilitated. The panel were also concerned that the staffing and other resources proposed by the institute would be inadequate to deliver the curriculum proposed.

The HEA has issued a letter to Athlone Institute of Technology informing the college of the panel's findings.