Vol. 474 No. 6
190 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement of intent regarding the upgrading of Cork Regional Technical College to Cork Institute of Technology status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3825/97]
191 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Education if a specific timescale for completion of consideration of Cork Regional Technical College's application for upgrading to Cork Institute of Technology status has been decided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3826/97]
192 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Education if the evaluation criteria to facilitate Cork Regional Technical College's legitimate aspiration to become Cork Institute of Technology has been adopted by her Department in view of the long-standing application by Cork Regional Technical College for upgrading to Cork Institute of Technology. [3827/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190, 191 and 192 together.
On 4 February 1997 I announced the establishment of 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. The high level group will also advise on the most appropriate means whereby institutions would be independently evaluated in relation to such criteria.
I wish to emphasise the importance of the work which the group is being asked to undertake for the future development of the technological sector. Work has already commenced to facilitate the deliberations of the group. I would be anxious that the group would complete its work without any unnecessary delay.
