Vol. 481 No. 7
287 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Teastas Irish National Institute of Technology Bill will adhere fully to the recommendations of the report of the high level group to advise on the technological sector in view of the fact that the governing body of Waterford Institute of Technology rejected these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16831/97]
I announced on 18 July that my objective is to develop a framework for the structured development of institutions in the technological sector to address changing local and national demands, while ensuring the maintenance of the complementary third-level systems of university and technological education. I further stated that the diversity of institutions and the separate missions of the two broad sectors will be maintained so as to ensure maximum flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of students and to the wide variety of social and economic requirements.
A consultation process is now under way and I hope, following the conclusion of this process, to publish legislation as early as possible next year which will provide for the co-ordinated development of the technological sector and enhance its contribution to national and regional development. I am giving this matter priority but, pending the conclusion of the consultative process, I cannot be more precise about the timing of the publication of the legislation. It is the intention that the development of this legislation for the technological sector will form part of broad legislation for the development of a national qualifications framework.
