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Institutes of Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2018

Tuesday, 15 May 2018

Questions (256, 257, 258, 259, 260)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

256. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an external facilitator has yet to be appointed to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, GMIT, working group report published in December 2017 in regard to the Mayo campus of GMIT; and if a date will be set for same to ensure the appointment of the appropriate person. [20992/18]

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Lisa Chambers

Question:

257. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the Mayo campus of GMIT has not hired a head of campus. [20993/18]

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Lisa Chambers

Question:

258. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the recommendations of the GMIT working group report published in December 2017 that have been implemented to date; and the timeline for the implementation of outstanding recommendations. [20994/18]

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Lisa Chambers

Question:

259. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the ring-fenced funds promised and allocated to the Mayo campus of GMIT can be drawn down to spend at the campus; and the reason for the delay. [20995/18]

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Lisa Chambers

Question:

260. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if no cuts are planned to courses, staff and staff relocations for the Mayo campus of GMIT for the academic year 2018-2019. [20996/18]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 to 260, inclusive, together.

The Government is committed to the future sustainability of the Castlebar Campus of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). This is the reason why I established the Working Group in March 2017 to develop a plan that would safeguard the future of the Castlebar campus.

The Report of the Working Group was published in December 2017. It provides a wide-ranging assessment of the context within which the Campus is currently operating, and outlines a proposed vision for the future of the Mayo Campus. It also provides a strategic and comprehensive plan to address the financial and sustainability issues which have been experienced by the GMIT Mayo Campus in recent years.

The Working Group recommendations are primarily for GMIT to implement. However, there are recommendations that relate specifically to my Department for action. In response to this my Department has prioritised these recommendations including the provision of ring fenced funding for the Castlebar campus for each of the next five years while the plan is being implemented. I wish to advise that the provision of this additional funding is contingent on GMIT progressing the implementation of the recommendations of the report, and is subject to review by the HEA.

My Department and the HEA are working with GMIT to ensure that the other recommendations are being progressed. These include the appointment of an external facilitator and the appointment of a head of campus for the Mayo campus.

I understand that the recruitment campaign for the head of campus will be initiated by GMIT shortly. A previous recruitment process had to be cancelled by GMIT.

The appointment of an independent external facilitator who will oversee the transition to the new structural and operational arrangements is a significant recommendation. The facilitator will play an important role in supporting the implementation of a number of the other Working Group recommendations. The procurement of this expertise will be initiated shortly by GMIT.

GMIT has established a sub committee to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the report. This committee and GMIT issue regular updates on progress to the HEA who will continue to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the report.

As part of the implementation of the recommendations GMIT are currently considering the position and options relating to potential staff redeployment as part of a suite of measures. However it is envisaged that any measures will be on a voluntary basis. Any proposals in this area will also be subject to approval by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

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