Written answers

Thursday, 5 June 2008

Department of Education and Science

University Status

3:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in pursuing companies registered here purporting to be Irish universities which are not recognised in law as legitimate universities and which are in conflict with Section 52 of the Universities Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22325/08]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is continuing in its efforts to press for compliance with legislation in this area in consultation with the relevant agencies. The Companies Registration Office has already put in place a procedure whereby any business name applied for which features the term "university" will not be accepted without the express approval of my Department and the Irish Domain Registry has also agreed not to register web addresses containing the term "university" without reference to the Department.

The existence of organisations of the type referred to by the Deputy is contrary to the interests of Ireland's higher education institutions, which have sought to preserve the high international standing and quality reputation of higher education in Ireland. The use of the National Framework of Qualifications to clearly and effectively communicate nationally and internationally the awarding bodies and qualifications (as well as associated lists of qualifications and institutions with programmes leading to them) that are recognised in Ireland is important. Another important development will be the establishment of Education Ireland, which will take the lead role in promoting Irish education institutions overseas. It is proposed to establish this body later this year.

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