Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 6

Written Answers. - Institute of Technology Report.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

132 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received the O'Hanlon report on Limerick Institute of Technology; his plans to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26928/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The O'Hanlon report was a confidential report commissioned by the institute of technology to assist it in its deliberations in relation to a breach in the integrity of the institute's examinations. The report was received by the institute in July 2001 and it furnished a copy of the report to my Department at that time.

On foot of the report, the governing body of the institute decided to ask the Minister for Education and Science to set up a sworn inquiry into the matter. It was decided to accede to the governing body's request and the institute was notified accordingly.

Given that the O'Hanlon report was commissioned by the institute and merely furnished to me, it is a matter for the governing body rather than me to decide whether it should be published. I have no power to publish it.