Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the strategy group on higher education will report to him by the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36013/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I have asked a high level strategy group under the chairmanship of Dr. Colin Hunt to review the operation of the higher education sector and to engage in a process of formulating a comprehensive vision for the sector and developing a strategic road map that will enable the system to respond to the continually evolving demands of Irish society and the economy. A vibrant responsive higher education system will be crucially important in terms of Ireland's future development and the strategy group is cognisant of the need to fully engage with all stakeholders in the sector and wider society. A first round of consultation was completed in the summer under which an open call for written submissions elicited a significant and valuable response. More than 100 submissions were received and are available on the HEA website, www.hea.ie. I understand that the group is planning to undertake additional detailed consultations to fully inform the development of the new strategy. I expect that the overall process of finalising the strategy report will be completed early in the new year.