Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his position on proposals concerning the idea of a technological university comprised of Athlone, Dundalk, Letterkenny, Sligo and Galway-Mayo Institutes of Technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6396/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In May of last year, I formally asked the Higher Education Authority to provide advice to me on draft performance criteria for a process for the designation of technological universities. Draft criteria had been developed by an international expert commissioned by my Department following the publication of the national strategy on higher education. In developing their advice, the Authority undertook a consultation process on the criteria which was completed last Autumn. The Authority has now submitted their advice, which I am now considering and intend to publish in the relatively near future. The criteria will set out a roadmap for the potential re-designation of any institutes of technology, who can meet the performance requirements set out, as technological universities.