Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 2

Written Answers. - Third Level Qualifications.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

199 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will introduce the legislation to give full legal effect to the upgrading of Waterford Regional Technical College to Waterford Institute of Technology, and, particularly, the powers to initiate and validate its own certificates, diplomas and degrees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3864/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The Education and Training (Qualifications) Bill will include provisions to allow the delegation of authority to make awards. I hope to be in a position to publish the Bill within the next month.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

200 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to enhance the range of ab initio degrees provided by Waterford Institute of Technology; the timescale involved; the resource implications in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3865/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Ten new degree courses have been sanctioned since the 1994-95 academic year 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 institute's further development is the subject of ongoing discussions with Department officials. It is a matter for the institute to put forward its new course proposals in the context of the annual operational programmes and budget which it is required to submit to my Department each year in accordance with the Regional Technical Colleges Acts.

I would point out that the Government has announced very substantial capital development money for the institute amounting to a total of over £12 million.