Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2012
97 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the recent discussion paper by the Higher Education Authority on the future of higher education; and the likely timescale for decisions on the structures that are likely to emerge. [9109/12]
View answerOn Monday 13th February, the HEA published a number of documents intended to provide a broad framework for future system development in Irish higher education, including a clear four stage process and criteria for designation as Technological University. All institutions have now been invited to identify their key strengths and their future strategic fit within the system and submit a realistic plan to HEA on that basis. Each higher education institution has been given six months in which to make a submission to the HEA setting out its strategic intentions. By the end of this year HEA will consider these strategic proposals and advise me on a "blueprint" or outline structure for the higher education system over the next 10-20 years. Institutions proposing to merge and apply for designation as technological universities will need also to submit a formal expression of interest within that period and will be advised within a further six months whether they can proceed to the second stage for designation.
