Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - College Status.

Michael Creed

Question:

438 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will comment on a statement issued in a newspaper (details supplied) regarding the Waterford Institute of Technology; and the implications, if any, this has for the redesignation of Cork Regional Technical College to institute of technology status. [18704/97]

Paul McGrath

Question:

451 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm if the interim review group on regional technology colleges has made an interim report to date in 1997; if so, the recommendations, if any, made in this report; if this group has proposed an upgrading of Athlone Regional Technical College to institute of technology status; if so, when this college will receive formal notification of this upgrading; if legislation will be needed to implement this change; if so, if Athlone Regional Technical College will then be an independent college with its own degrees awarding status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18825/97]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

457 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current timetable, if any, for designation of Tralee Regional Technical College as an institute of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18832/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 438, 451 and 457 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.

I hope to publish legislation shortly 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, following the conclusion of a consultation process which is now under way.

I am giving this matter priority but, pending the conclusion of the consultative process, I cannot be more precise about the time of the publication of the legislation.