Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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86. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the proposed timeframe for the Technological Universities Bill; when it will be before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6443/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government outlines that this 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.

In relation to the legislation, the third Government Legislative Programme of this Partnership Government was published on 17 January 2017, 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.