A clear four stage process and criteria for designation as Technological University were published by the HEA in February of this year. Institutions proposing to merge and apply for designation as technological universities will need to submit a formal expression of interest within a six month period and will be advised within a further six months whether they can proceed to the second stage for designation. The drafting of legislative proposals to provide for the amalgamation of Institutes of Technology and the establishment of Technological universities will be advanced in tandem with the designation process as part of the work which is underway on implementing the higher education strategy.