Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 1

Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

201 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement of intent in relation to the future of Waterford Institute of Technology outlining a timetable and budget in regard to the regional deficit at degree level and other third level regional needs. [21998/98]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

202 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to allay the fears of Waterford Institute of Technology in relation to the implementation of major changes to enable the institute to expand its degree courses, award its own qualification and establish its own academic monitoring procedures (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21999/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 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 subject to regular review. As a response to the higher education needs of 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 institute has increased from the 1994-5 level of 3,500 to 4,740 in 1997-8.

An increase in degree level provision has been sanctioned by my Department in respect of Waterford Institute of Technology in the context of meeting the identified higher education needs of the south east region. The following is a list of degree level courses sanctioned since 1995: BA in Applied Social Studies, B Sc in Applied Biology, BA in Legal and Business Studies, BA in Applied Languages, BSc in Commercial Software Development, BA in Financial Services, BA in General and Corporate Administration, BA in Accounting, BSc in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and B Eng in Electronic Engineering. The institute submitted to my Department a framework for its development and this proposal is the subject of ongoing negotiations with officials.

Early in 1997, the institute was redesignated as the Waterford Institute of Technology and arrangements have been put in place to carry through the process leading to the delegation to the institute of authority to make awards, within a national qualifications framework. This process is being carried out by an interim review group chaired by Professor Dervilla Donnelly. I understand that the interim review group has completed a draft report on the self-evaluation study by Waterford Institute of Technology and has furnished the institute with its observations on the study and its draft recommendations. At present the group is considering the response from Waterford to these observations and draft recommendations prior to finalising its report which will then be submitted to me.

A number of significant capital projects are currently under way in the institute including a new library-information resource centre for which approval to award a construction contract has recently been given by my Department. In addition, I have also given approval to the institute to appoint a design team in respect of a new tourism-CERT training facility. These and other important capital developments represent a major and tangible investment in the future of the institute and its student body.