Vol. 482 No. 3
413 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if the recommendations of the report of the steering committee on the future development of higher education, particularly those for the south east region, represent Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18073/97]
416 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the Government's policy for the future development of higher education in the south east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18076/97]
417 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if the recommendations for the south east region contained in the interim report of the steering committee on the future development of higher education technical working group represent Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18077/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 413, 416 and 417 together.
In July 1996 the Government approved in principle the recommendations in the report of the steering committee on the future development of higher education as a benchmark for future planning in the sector. In relation to the south east region the report recommended an increase in student places in what was then the Regional Technical College, Waterford, an increase in degree level awards and a change of title to Regional Institute of Technology.
Since the report of the steering committee was published the number of full time students in the college has increased to over 4,700. Earlier this year the college was redesignated as the Waterford Institute of Technology. New degree level courses in the areas of computing, financial services and administration have also been approved.
Arrangements have been put in place to carry through the process leading to the delegation of authority to the Institute to make awards, within a national qualifications framework. This process is being carried out by a review team chaired by Professor Dervilla Donnelly which has begun its work and visited Waterford Institute of Technology as part of the process.
The Deputy will also note the vital work undertaken at sub-degree level by the Institute and the contribution being made by these graduates to economic development in the region and country as a whole.
The Institute has submitted to my Department a framework for its development and this is the subject of ongoing discussions with officers of the Institute. An increase in degree level provision has been agreed for the 1997-98 academic session by my Department in the context of meeting the identified higher education needs of the southeast region.
