Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has carried out any research into the duplication of courses in Irish third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33683/11]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has any role in determining the kind of courses on offer in third level institutions. [33684/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.

Universities and Institutes of Technology are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and the Institutes of Technology Act 2006 and my Department does not have any function in relation to their academic affairs, including decisions concerning course provision. This kind of autonomy is a hallmark of a high quality, modern higher education system. My Department and HEA, in partnership with our higher education institutions are now together implementing the wide ranging reforms set out in the National Strategy for Higher Education. An element of these changes, currently under consultation, includes the development of regional clusters of institutions. The HEA will engage with all higher education institutions in a strategic dialogue in a systematic way to ensure that there are clear pathways and higher education opportunities available to students on a regional basis, while avoiding unnecessary duplication. I expect the HEA to develop clear guidelines for these clusters before the end of the year.