David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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129. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the delivery of a technological university for the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29496/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the new Programme for Government outlines that this new Government will continue to support the creation of Technological Universities.

This is in line with the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 which provides a framework for the development of the higher education sector to 2030.  With regard to the institute of technology sector, the Strategy recommended significant reforms to position the sector to meet national strategic objectives.  In particular, the Strategy recommended consolidation within the sector and a pathway of evolution for those consolidated institutes of technology, to allow them to demonstrate significant progress against robust performance criteria and to apply to become technological universities.

Technological University for the South-East (TUSE)

In relation to the Technological University for the South-East, consisting of Institute of Technology, Carlow (ITC) and Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), following the publication of the Kelly report, a preliminary facilitation process which was underway since September 2015 has been completed.  There was strong engagement in the process by both parties and this facilitation process has been an important building block in terms of building trust between the parties and in developing a strong working relationship between the Presidents and Chairs of both institutions.  As part of this process, the Presidents of the two institutions, have jointly developed an initial work-plan to support the development of a joint TU proposal.

In addition to this both Institutions made a joint presentation and submission to the Higher Education Authority (HEA), seeking funding to underpin the next phase of engagement. This was part of the latest call issued by the HEA regarding the restructuring of the higher education landscape.  The call sought submissions for funding support in respect of the costs arising from mergers as part of the implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education.

All four consortiums that are involved in merger processes with the ultimate aim of becoming Technological Universities have been allocated additional funding for 2016.  Part of this funding arises from a specific €2 million allocated in Budget 2016 to support Technological University projects and further funding from the overall higher education budget.

Arising from the submissions received and subsequent detailed presentations made to the HEA, the TUSE project has been allocated a ring-fenced sum of €1.445 Million in 2016 to support the further development of the project.

Position of Technological Universities Bill

The second Government Legislative Programme of this new Partnership Government was published on 27 September 2016, and the Technological Universities Bill is listed on the Dáil Order Paper and is awaiting Committee Stage.

I recognise that there were a significant number of matters raised previously in respect of the Bill at both Committee and Report Stage.  It is my intention to consult with all of the relevant stakeholders in relation to both the matters raised during the legislative process and the commitments contained in the Programme for Government.

Following the finalisation of this consultation process I will then advance the legislation having determined a position in relation to any matters raised as part of this consultation process.