Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

476. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the guidelines in place for state-funded universities and institutes of technology which tender for the external delivery of courses. [41463/15]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

477. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to set down the number of students attending courses under the free fees initiative being delivered by external private providers, but accredited to state-funded universities and institutes of technology; the names of these courses and awarding institutions; and the funding being given to these external providers for delivering these courses. [41464/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 476 and 477 together.

Third level institutions are autonomous institutions and my Department does not have any function in their day to day operational affairs, for which the Governing Bodies and the management staff of the institutions are responsible. This includes the delivery of its courses.

While my Department is aware that there are a number of institutions who accredit programmes which are delivered either partly or entirely by another institution or third party provider in the higher education sector, the exact details sought by the Deputy are not readily available in my Department. I have asked officials of my Department to request the Higher Education Authority to compile this information and I will arrange for it to be forwarded to the Deputy when available.