Brendan McGahon
Question:153 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the establishment of a technological university. [22941/01]
Written Answers. - Technological University.
Our higher education system is a binary system, comprising the university sector and the institute of technology sector.
In July 1996, the Government approved, in principle, the recommendations contained in the Report of the Steering Committee on the Future Development of Higher Education as a benchmark for future planning in the higher education sector, subject to regular review. The steering committee report endorsed the maintenance of a diversified system of higher education to meet the varying needs of students, society and the economy.
I believe we should maintain the diversity of institutions and the separate missions of the two broad sectors. This approach will ensure maximum flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of students and to the wide variety of social and economic requirements. I will continue to develop a framework for the structured development of the institutes of technology to address the changing demands at both local and national level, while maintaining the complementary third level systems of university and technological education.