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Higher Education Authority

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018

Tuesday, 24 April 2018

Questions (221)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

221. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to develop Limerick Institute of Technology, Thurles, as a hub for the training of agribusiness professionals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17690/18]

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Written answers

The strategic direction for higher education in Ireland is set out in the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 and the Action Plan for Education, 2016-2019. Under these strategies, the Higher Education Authority (HEA), reviews the performance and progress of the Irish higher education system, with reference to a steering and performance based framework for the system governance of higher education in Ireland.

Higher educational institutions are independent bodies. The performance framework and associated dialogue process allows institutions to set out the individual contribution they will make to delivery of national system-level objectives, with reference to their mission, strengths and strategic plans and in ways that reflect the diversity of the institutional mission or profile.

As part of its goal setting and reporting process with the HEA, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) reported on its incorporation of the former Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute in Thurles into an enlarged LIT with more than 7,000 full-time and part-time learners and approximately 550 staff members serving Limerick City and County, Tipperary and Clare. LIT research and development plans reported to the HEA include a Centre for Rural and Sustainable Development at Thurles which is focused on supporting communities, enterprises, and industry to develop and engage in sustainable practices and processes. The LIT Thurles Campus also provides a number of undergraduate programmes in rural and sustainable development, central to the training of agribusiness professionals.

Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 216.
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