Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 6

Written Answers. - National University of Technology.

John Ellis

Question:

169 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education if she will set up a national university of technology of which each regional technical college would be a constituent member; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3585/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Teastas — the Irish National Certificationa Authority — has recently published proposals for a national qualifications framework and proposals to facilitate the growth and evolution of the technological colleges.

I have also established recently a high level group to advise on the criteria which would be applied to the redesignation of a regional technical college as an institute of technology, including the devolution of responsibility to colleges within the technological sector in relation to the award of qualifications, at various levels, within a national certification framework, and the most appropriate means whereby institutions would be independently evaluated in relation to such criteria.

These two developments will be significant for the future development and shaping of the technological sector.