Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2016
155. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which a technological university differs from existing universities or institutes of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38522/16]
View answer156. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to rationalise services as part of the merging of institutes of technology and the formation of technological universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38523/16]
View answer157. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the unique offering that will be provided by technological universities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38524/16]
View answer172. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is giving consideration to a change in sequencing to the process of merging institutes of technology as part of an application to become a technological university; if consideration is being given to introduce the international panel of experts work earlier in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38731/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 157, inclusive, and 172 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the new Programme for Government outlines that this new Government will continue to support the creation of Technological Universities.
This 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.
A Technological University will be distinguished by a mission and ethos that is aligned and consistent with the current mission and focus of institutes of technology with an emphasis on programmes at levels 6 to 8 and industry focused research. A Technological University will also be expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating access and progression particularly through relationships with the further education and training sector. They will also have a strong regional focus.
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.
I would also like to underline that this is much more than a rebranding exercise – the institutions concerned are required to achieve high standards across a range of areas before being designated as technological universities. These include standards relating to the qualifications of staff, the quality of research output, the proportion of students engaged in lifelong learning, and other relevant issues.
The mission and vision for each proposed technological university is developed by the consortia, in consultation with stakeholders including staff and students, and is contained in the implementation plans subsequently developed.
In relation to the legislation, the second Government Legislative Programme of this new Partnership Government was published on 27 September 2016, and the Technological Universities Bill is listed on the Dáil Order Paper and is awaiting Committee Stage.
I recognise that there were a significant number of matters raised previously in respect of the Bill at both Committee and Report Stage, including matters related to the sequencing of the process of merging institutes of technology. It is my intention to 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.
