Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 1745: 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. [30512/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Section 52 of the Universities Act 1997 prohibits the use of the term "University" where the organisation is engaged in the provision of education services unless the Minister for Education and Science consents to the use of the term. 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 Department has contacted a number of organisations which were using the title "university" without consent and in most cases when the legislative requirements were explained, the organisations concerned voluntarily agreed to stop using the title. Agreement has also been reached with the Companies Registration Office whereby any business name applied for which features the term 'university' will not be accepted without the express approval of the Department of Education and Science. The Irish Domain Registry has also agreed not to register web addresses using the title "university". The Department's website also contains a list of State-aided third level institutions, and other institutions or colleges where awards have been validated by HETAC. The Government also intends to take a number of steps to bring greater clarity and focus to the promotion of Irish educational programmes overseas. This will include the development and implementation of a Quality Mark for international education programmes, the award of which will be based on appropriate certification of educational programmes and implementation by institutions of a Code of Practice for the delivery of international education services. Responsibility for these functions will be assigned by the Government to an appropriate authority.