Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Regional Technical Colleges Status.

Martin Cullen

Question:

538 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Education if she intends to implement the upgrading of Waterford regional technical college to Institute of Technology status as recommended by the Technical Working Group of the Higher Education Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15949/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Report of the Steering Committee on the Future Development of Higher Education recommends regional institutes of technology as a new title for the regional technical colleges.

I have accepted the need for a new title which more accurately reflects the higher education status and the range of activities of the colleges. As required by Section 3 (4) of the Regional Technical Colleges Act, 1992 the college authorities have been consulted to ascertain the views of governing bodies with regard to the change of title as recommended in the report of the steering committee. The responses from the colleges are currently being examined in my Department.