Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2012
238 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Higher Education Authority have yet submitted to him the criteria in relation to the establishment of technological universities; when this report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8029/12]
View answerThe HEA submitted and recommended "Process and Criteria for designation as Technological University" and I have now approved these with the agreement of Government. The criteria set a performance bar appropriate to a national and international understanding of the term "university" so as to safeguard the quality and reputation of Ireland's higher education system. They will also preserve and enhance the diversity required in a modern higher education system by ensuring that any Technological University is not just of high quality but is also clearly differentiated by mission to existing universities through the nature of its research, teaching and engagement activities.
At my request, the HEA published the agreed Process and Criteria document on Monday 13th February 2012 along with other system development papers to give clarity and certainty to institutes of technology that are considering consolidation and designation proposals.
The relevant documents are available to read at www.hea.ie.
