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Technological Universities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Questions (472)

Paudie Coffey

Question:

472. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current progress on the development of a technological university for the south east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17234/13]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, I endorsed the framework for system development laid out in the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 which outlines a developmental pathway towards designation as a Technological University for merged institutes of technology who seek to apply. The roll-out of the approved process now provides an opportunity to meet the commitment set out in the Programme for Government to "explore the establishment of a multi-campus Technical University in the South East".

In relation to the evolutionary pathway laid out in the National Strategy for institutes of technology, the implementation process is well underway. The Landscape document published in February 2012 lays out a clear four stage process and criteria for institutes of technology who wish to apply for designation as a technological university. The process for designation is designed to ensure educational quality, objectivity, international expertise, fairness and transparency. The process will consist of four stages overseen by HEA, with an independent international panel of experts to advise the Authority in the final stages.

The first stage requires institutes of technology to submit a formal expression of interest in merging and seeking designation. I understand from HEA that three such expressions of interest have been received. One of these is a proposal that Waterford Institute of Technology and Carlow Institute of Technology to seek designation.The Higher Education Authority are considering all proposals and their advice on system configuration will include their advice on the progress of institutes of technology interested in seeking designation to the second stage of the designation process. I am expect to receive this advice shortly.

Having regard to the process that has been put in place to assess proposals for designation as technological universities I do not propose to comment specifically on any potential applications for designation by any group of Institutes of Technology.

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