Written answers

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

Department of Education and Science

Institutes of Technology

8:00 am

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 479: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the application in respect of the upgrading of Waterford Institute of Technology to university status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26733/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South 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 also impacts 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.

A High Level Group is currently developing a new national strategy for higher education. That Group is critically examining the roles and relationships of higher education institutions so that the system can deliver the levels of efficiency, performance, innovation and growth that will optimise Ireland's 'smart' economic recovery and social development. The Strategy Group are expected to finalise their report before the summer and there are no plans to advance any of the current applications for university status before the Group completes its work.

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