asked the Minister for Education if he intends to pursue vigorously the establishment of the National Institute for Higher Education in Dublin along the lines outlined by the previous Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - NIHE, Dublin.
42.
I intend to pursue the establishment of the National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin. The lines to be followed in its establishment may, however, require revision to meet changing educational requirements and emphases.
Will the Minister elucidate that statement? It is a very scant statement but is a significant one.
The Deputy is very suspicious of me.
Time will prove me right.
Not suspicious, just curious.
I am totally innocent. The decision was made in 1971 to establish NIHE, Dublin, a third-level educational institution, mainly technological and offering degrees, diplomas and certificate courses. It is the intention of the Government to push ahead with the establishment of NIHE, Dublin, with all possible speed.
That is in contradiction to what the Minister said a moment ago. He said there might be need for revision, or words to that effect. In view of the relative lack of progress in this area, what steps does the Minister propose to take to ensure that this project will be pushed ahead with all speed? Where are the areas of revision?
The National Council for Educational Awards will have a greater role to play in NIHE, Dublin, than was envisaged by the previous Government which deprived the council of their powers to award degrees.
Will the Minister comment on the extraordinary situation whereby one of the major components of NIHE, Dublin, is having degrees validated by a university institution? Will the legislation take that into account?
That is a separate question.
I am glad the Deputy referred to the confusion that exists. It is my function to try to dispel that confusion and to bring some rationality into the situation.