Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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115. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the Technological Universities Bill 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24923/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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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. 

The third Government Legislative Programme of this new 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.  The Department on behalf of the Minister is conducting a series of consultations 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.

As part of this process of consultation, Department officials have recently concluded their consultation with TUI on this matter.  A final clarification document has been issued by the Department to the TUI on a range of issues including issues related to superannuation and terms and conditions.  The Department understands that TUI will be putting this document to a ballot of their members in due course.

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