The Government is committed to delivering a wide ranging reform programme in higher education to enhance the quality of research, teaching and engagement. Restructuring the system and in particular the establishment of Technological Universities forms a key part of the reform programme. The process and criteria to attain this new status were published in early 2012.
Carlow Institute of Technology and Waterford Institute of Technology have not progressed to the stage of the preparation of a detailed plan for merger and more importantly how they intend to meet the robust performance criteria for designation as a Technological University. A detailed plan must set out the existing position of the proposed consortium in relation to each of the technological university criteria (rather than the position of each individual institution) and the capacity of the consortium, based on its developmental trajectory, to meet these criteria within a reasonable timeframe.
Therefore the estimated costs of the project have not been developed. I understand the costs to-date for due diligence stand at €42,742.The Deputy will be aware that Mr. Michael Kelly is leading a process of consultation with regional stakeholders, the governing bodies, staff and students in Carlow Institute of Technology and Waterford Institute of Technology in order to develop a shared vision for a technological university in the South East.
I am pleased to report that Mr. Michael Kelly has met with the Governing Bodies of both institutions and has held a series of meetings with a variety of stakeholders. Mr. Kelly has not yet submitted a report but I expect to receive this report in the coming weeks.
