Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004
131 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons behind his Department’s call for more modern, corporate management as opposed to the present system of governing bodies for third-level colleges, as presented in his Department’s submission to the OECD review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9780/04]
View answerThe call for modern corporate governance structures made in my Department's submission to the OECD reflects the demands of the dynamic and competitive environment within which higher education institutions operate. It is important, in common with all public service organisations, that higher education institutions are sufficiently in tune with and responsive to wider societal needs. At present some higher education institutions have governing authorities of some 40 persons, while others have 27. The level of external representation on these authorities varies significantly.
Ireland's higher education institutions need management and governance structures that are marked by dynamic decision-making and leadership. There is a need to develop appropriate governance models for the increasingly complex and competitive environment in which they operate. The challenges of international competitiveness in the knowledge society, the demands of a more diverse student population for quality service and the ever changing broader needs of the economy and society all place major demands on higher education institutions.
My objective in inviting the OECD to conduct a detailed review of the higher education system was to map a strategy for the sector which will foster excellence and position it to meet the long term challenges of the intensely competitive environment in which we operate.
