Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will announce his decision on the application of Waterford Institute of Technology for upgrading to university status before the Easter 2009 recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5415/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that applications have been received from three higher education institutions for designation as Universities; Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology.

The issue of university designation does not just affect the institutions and the regions from which applications have been received; it will also have a major impact on the future structure of the higher education system throughout the country. The Government wants to build on our strengths and to provide an environment where all our higher education institutions can develop in a way that best serves the country as a whole as well as the regions where they are based. Consideration of the three applications will be finalised as soon as possible.