asked the Minister for Education when the Higher Education Authority will be given responsibility for planning third level courses run under the VECs in the same way as it has responsibility for planning all other third level courses in the State.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Authority.
644.
The planning of courses in the institutions designated under the HEA Act, 1971 is a matter for the individual institution. The HEA does, however, have a coordinating function in relation to State investment. The planning of courses in other third level colleges, e.g. VEC colleges, colleges of education for primary teachers, is likewise a matter for these institutions, subject to the approval of the Department and the recognition of such courses by the relevant award validating authority, e.g. NCEA, NUI, TCD.