Vol. 482 No. 3
386 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science whether official policy in relation to the future development of the regional technical college sector was as outlined in a recent newspaper article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17846/97]
411 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science whether Athlone Regional Technical College will shortly become an institute of technology; and whether it will have the same direct relationship with Teastas bypassing any students dealing with the rest of the regional technical colleges in view of the fact that this has been promised for Waterford. [18070/97]
414 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the regional technical colleges which he intends to redesignate as institutes of technology; the basis for their selection; the number which will be redesignated before Christmas, 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18074/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 386, 411 and 414 together.
I announced on 18 July last 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 system of university and technological education. I further stated that the diversity of institutions and 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.
I also announced that I agreed with the need to change the title of regional technical colleges, incorporating the common feature "Institute of Technology" as recommended in the report of the high level group on the technological sector. The exact details of the title changes will, of course, be subject to further consultation.
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, in a coherent fashion, 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.
