Vol. 486 No. 3
288 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, his Department has advanced regarding the basis on which its courses are currently decided, funded and established on a longer term footing. [2556/98]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to proposals in relation to the courses offered under the advanced technical skills (ATS) programme. This programme provides advanced level training for graduates in order to enhance the relevance of their qualifications to the needs of the labour market and to meet the skill needs of industry at the highest level. The programme is run in the universities and in the Dublin Institute of Technology and the courses are at post-graduate diploma and masters degree level.
The mid-term evaluation of the Operational Programme for Human Resources Development (1994-99) by Goodbody Consultants highlighted a number of concerns relating to the advanced technical skills programme. My Department has been in contact with the Higher Education Authority in relation to the concerns raised in this evaluation. I understand that the authority has had subsequent discussions with the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities in this regard. My Department is currently awaiting the advice of the authority in relation to the finalisation of the programme arrangements for the 1998-99 academic year and subsequent years.
