Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 23: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his Department is carrying out a survey on the teaching activities of staff in the university sector; if it has been done by the staff of his Department or within the universities themselves; if it is by way of questionnaire or interview; if he will provide a copy of the questionnaire used to conduct this survey; the terms of reference for this survey; if and when the results will be published in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7919/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced the launch of a process to develop a new national strategy for higher education. The process will be overseen by a high level steering group, chaired by economist Dr Colin Hunt and comprising national and international expertise including academic, business, community and student interests, as well as senior government officials. It is expected that the group will complete its work before the end of the year.

The process will afford a timely opportunity to review the environment for higher education and the challenges and changes that are impacting on the sector. An examination of the overall operational, governance and resourcing framework will be important elements of the strategy review. The government is investing unprecedented levels of public funding in higher education and it is appropriate to look at the effectiveness of use of current resources, identify any potential for rationalisation or change to maximise the use of those resources and identify how any additional resource requirements can be met having particular regard to the difficult budgetary and economic climate that is in prospect in the medium term. My Department has not at this stage conducted a survey in the area referred to by the Deputy.