Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 560: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to plans to abolish the faculty of tourism and food at Dublin Institute of Technology, Cathal Brugha Street; his views on the fragmentation of this vital body of knowledge; if he has received representations in respect of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10001/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Dublin Institute of Technology is an autonomous statutory body established under the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006. Under the terms of these Acts, the governance and day-to-day management of the Institute, including its organisational structures, are matters for which the Governing Body and the management authorities of the Institute are responsible. I understand that over the last academic year wide-ranging consultation has taken place within the Institute regarding proposals aimed at improving organisational effectiveness in all areas of provision. I am informed that the proposals under consideration by the Institute emphasise the importance of responding to economic and societal needs, and in particular to supporting industry sectors where DIT has particular strengths such as tourism and food. It is my understanding that there are no proposals to discontinue programmes in tourism and food. Neither I nor any of my officials have received any representations in relation to the matter.