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Technological Universities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

Questions (223)

David Cullinane

Question:

223. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to publish the report jointly submitted to the Higher Education Authority by the chairs and the presidents of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow, in respect of the technological university process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17279/16]

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Written answers

Technological Universities: The new Programme for Government outlines that this new Government will continue to support the creation of Technological Universities. It is envisaged that the development of a Technological University for the South East will act as a catalyst and stimulus of economic, social and cultural development for the region.

The development of Technological Universities is in line with the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 which provides a framework for the development of the higher education sector to 2030. With regard to the institute of technology sector, the Strategy recommended significant reforms to position the sector to meet national strategic objectives. In particular, the Strategy recommended consolidation within the sector and a pathway of evolution for those consolidated institutes of technology, to allow them to demonstrate significant progress against robust performance criteria and to apply to become technological universities.

The development of technological universities has the potential to deliver greater opportunity to students in these regions, to staff working in the institutions, and to the broader local economy and society.

Technological University for the South-East (TUSE):With regard to the Technological University for the South-East, consisting of Institute of Technology, Carlow (ITC) and Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), following the publication of the Kelly report, a preliminary facilitation process which was underway since September 2015, has recently been completed and a Report of the process was received by my Department on 13 May 2016.

The Report of the facilitation process is currently being considered by my officials and a decision on publication of the Report will be taken in due course.

I should point out that there was strong engagement in the process by both parties. This facilitation process has been an important building block in terms of building trust between the parties and in developing a strong working relationship between the Presidents and Chairs of both institutions. As part of this process, the Presidents of the two institutions, have jointly developed an initial work-plan to support the development of a joint TU proposal.

In addition to this both Institutions made a recent joint presentation and submission to the Higher Education Authority, seeking funding to underpin the next phase of engagement. This was part of the latest call issued by the Higher Education Authority regarding the restructuring of the higher education landscape. The call sought submissions for funding support in respect of the costs arising from mergers as part of the implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education.Position of Technological Universities Bill: The first Government Legislative Programme of this new Partnership Government was published on 8 June 2016, and the Technological Universities Bill has been restored to the Dáil Order Paper at Committee Stage.

I recognise that there were a significant number of matters raised in respect of the Bill at both Committee and Report Stage. It is my intention to now consult with all of the relevant stakeholders in relation to both the matters raised during the legislative process and the commitments contained in the Programme for Government.

Following the finalisation of this consultation process I will then advance the legislation having determined a position in relation to any matters raised as part of this consultation process.

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