Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012
255 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give a commitment that no decision will be made on the future of third level institutes by him or the Higher Education Authority prior to consultation and all submissions being received and acknowledged. [9763/12]
View answerOn Monday 13th February, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) published a number of documents intended to provide a broad framework for future system development in Irish higher education. 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 the 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 have considered these strategic proposals and will advise me on a "blueprint" or outline structure for the higher education system over the next 10-20 years. The future development direction of individual higher education institutions will be agreed within this context and there will be full engagement with institutions in relation to their strategic plans and future funding arrangements.
