Vol. 501 No. 3
383 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the key principle outlined in An Action Programme for the Millennium has been implemented in practice in respect of third level education renewed respect for the principle of academic freedom and autonomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6207/99]
As the Deputy will be aware, institutions were very concerned about the implications for academic autonomy of certain proposals of the last Government. In all of this Government's dealing with institutions we have respected this idea. Crucially we have increased the ability of institutions to focus on developing and protecting the quality of their courses.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Government has taken the unprecedented step of devolving the allocation of a £180 million research programme to an objective international review procedure.
