Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005
520 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the need for university status for Waterford Institute of Technology (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30084/05]
View answerThe OECD's review of higher education in Ireland published in 2004 has been accepted by the Government as the guide to future policy on third level. The Deputy will be aware that the review recommends that the differentiation of mission between the university and institute of technology sectors be maintained and that for the foreseeable future, there should be no institutional transfers to the university sector.
I accept this recommendation and have no plans to review the status of any institute of technology. In the event that any institute of technology were to apply for university status, the application would be processed in accordance with section 9 of the Universities Act 1997.
