asked the Minister for Education the reason a decision has not yet been taken on the proposal to afford university status to the National Institute of Higher Education at Limerick and Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - University Status to NIHE.
56.
Originally I was to take Questions Nos. 16 and 56 together, but we did not reach Question No. 16. This is in answer to Deputy Birmingham's question. As the Deputy knows, the matters raised in the report, which was initiated to investigate the setting up of a technological university, are important ones. They must be considered in the wider context of third level education.
Would the Minister give the House the date on which the report became available to the Government?
The report was submitted to me approximately 12 months ago — it may be longer. In turn, I have informally submitted it to the Taoiseach for his consideration and I am also having it debated and discussed within my Department.
Would the Minister confirm to the House that the report recommends — and it is a report of international standing — that the two colleges in question should enjoy university status? Would she accept that within the colleges there is widespread concern that their present title gives rise to confusion and uncertainty, particularly internationally, which disadvantages their graduates who may seek employment on the international labour market? Would she accept, in particular, that because the phrase NIHE — or National Institute for Higher Education — is not internationally familiar, there is a real danger that the graduates of these colleges will be equated with graduates of polytechnics in England, institutions of a much lower standard?
I would accept, naturally, that there is considerable interest within the two institutions concerned and in the wider community generally about the report, particularly with regard to the matter of concern which the Deputy has raised, that is, of the misunderstanding or misconceptions which could arise in a European or a world context of the purpose of such institutions, the content of their courses and the authority of the degrees awarded in the institutions. As we are all aware and freely acknowledge, the two institutions in question have done wonderful work in the field of third level education. It is a matter of very grave concern to me that the correct decisions be taken for the two institutions concerned and in the overall context of the university question. It is also a matter in which the Taoiseach and the wider Cabinet have a great interest. I would hope that decisions on these issues would not be long delayed.