I propose to take Questions Nos. 943, 1025, 1026, 1036 and 1055 together.
I appointed Dr. Jim Port in February 2007 to provide preliminary advice on the merits of the submission by WIT, having regard to; (i) the national strategy for the development of Irish higher education, (ii) implications for regional development in the South-East in the context of the National Spatial Strategy and (iii) any likely implications for the overall structure of higher education in Ireland.
There are significant wider policy issues that need to be considered in advance of any possible statutory review and I am currently considering these in the light of Dr Port's report. Consideration of the of the report forms part of the ongoing work of my Department and the question of making provision in the Estimates of my Department does not arise as consideration of the application has not been finalised.