Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support the combined efforts of the Institute of Technology Tralee, Cork Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology in obtaining university status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9737/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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On Monday, 13 February last, the Higher Education Authority published a number of documents intended to provide a broad framework for future system development in Irish higher education, including a clear four-stage process and criteria for designation as a technological university. Groups of institutions proposing to merge and apply for designation as technological universities will need to submit a formal expression of interest within six months. They will be advised within a further six months whether they can proceed to the second stage for designation. Decisions on the success or otherwise of applications in the final stages will be made on the advice of a fully independent international expert panel, having regard to the transparent criteria that have now been published.