Dan Neville
Question:15 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for the upgrading of regional technical colleges. [16678/97]
Vol. 484 No. 2
15 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for the upgrading of regional technical colleges. [16678/97]
46 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the attainment of university status by regional colleges throughout the country; when this status will be conferred and in relation to which colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21677/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 46 together.
The education technology investment fund is central to my strategy for upgrading regional technical colleges. This is a £250 million investment programme, over a three year period. About £100 million will be invested in the technological sector. This is an historic level of investment in the sector and will underpin the sector's role in the promotion of economic and social well-being. These funds will be additional to the existing investment programmes of support for the sector. This is real upgrading. It addresses a core issue for the colleges — resources.