Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 5

Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

111 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to delegate authority to Waterford Institute of Technology to award its own certificates and diplomas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6543/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Early in 1997, Waterford Regional Technical College was redesignated as the Waterford Institute of Technology and arrangements were put in place to carry through the process leading to the delegation to the institute of authority to make awards. This process was initiated through the appointment of a review team chaired by Professor Dervilla Donnelly. The results of this academic review, published in March 1999, recommended that Waterford Institute of Technology become one of the first institutes to have the delegated power to make awards in respect of all existing NCEA-validated national certificate and diploma courses.

The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999 enables me to formally implement this recommendation for delegated authority. The arrangements for the implementation of the Act, which will enable the delegation to take place, will be completed as soon as possible.

In this regard, the setting up of the designate National Qualifications Authority of Ireland was announced on 26 January last. The new authority is being set up on an interim basis pending its establishment on a statutory basis as provided for in the Act. The task of the new authority will be to commence work on the establishment of a national qualifications framework and to advise on and support the transition to the new certification system as provided for in the Act. The first meeting of the new authority is due to take place shortly.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

112 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to develop the land purchased by Waterford Institute of Technology at Carrigmore, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6544/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

This property was purchased to provide a landbank for the institute, which would allow for future Waterford Institute of Technology development, in particular outdoor student recreational facilities.

My Department is awaiting the outcome of a feasibility study on the Carriganore property, which will establish the area of the property most suitable for meeting the institute's space require ments. The development of the Carriganore property will then be considered in the context of the continuing development of the Waterford Institute of Technology campus.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the upgrading of Waterford Institute of Technology's facilities is ongoing. The new library building will be completed this spring. A new apprenticeship facility is expected to be finished by September of this year. Funding has been approved for major infrastructure works this year and next year, which will include carparks and the culverting of the stream that crosses Waterford's main campus. In addition, funding has also been made available for refurbishment works, which will allow for additional lecture theatres. Future developments will include a major CERT facility for the campus.