Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 232: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that two separate degrees are available in chemical engineering in two third level institutions (details supplied); the total number of undergraduate students each of these degree courses; her views on whether the current situation represents an optimum use of public funds; if her further attention has been drawn to any proposals that will result in a more efficient use of public funds in chemical engineering in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26108/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The total number of students undertaking the BSc in Chemical and Process Engineering in UCC is currently 91 (2009/10 data) and there are 87 students undertaking the BSc in Process and Chemical Engineering in Cork IT.

Decisions in relation to the provision of specific programmes of study are a matter for individual higher education institutions and are taken having regard to a wide range of factors including the overall level of demand from students and, in the skills area, employer needs. In this context the fact that two neighbouring institutions deliver 2 similar qualifications does not mean this constitutes a less than optimum use of public funds.

Higher education institutions are increasingly working together and collaborating in order to respond to the diverse needs of students and other stakeholders. The two institutions referred to by the Deputy have a strong track record of working together and signed a formal Memorandum of Co-operation in November 2009. This includes joint delivery and awards of qualifications, extensive research co-operation and the sharing of research facilities and the promotion of greater access to higher education in Cork city and the wider region.

The Higher Education Strategy Group which is finalising its work is examining all aspects all aspects of the higher education system including the overall coherence of the system and how it can be best developed over the coming decades.