Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Quality assurance in higher education is governed by statutory provision and is based upon expert peer review, of both Irish and international experts, which must include representation from students, business and other stakeholders. The Irish system of higher education quality assurance system itself has been reviewed and I would refer the Deputy to the independent report of the European Universities Association on the university quality assurance system, published in 2005. That review found that the Irish system, with its emphasis not only on quality assurance, but also quality improvement, could act as a model internationally. The review also noted that the system was relatively new and made recommendations for further improvement, which are being undertaken by the institutions, with appropriate oversight from the HEA.

I am also committed to ensure that second level students continue to see science at third level as an positive option, both in terms of their interest in the areas, and their future employment prospects. The Government is supporting Discover Science and Engineering to work with schools to promote student interest in science, while my Department is continuing to invest heavily in research and development. That investment, which is essential to secure Ireland's continued economic and social development, also provides exciting opportunities for research careers for those entering science courses.