Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:19 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education when the largest regional technical college in the country will be upgraded and expanded by having its name and designation changed to Cork Institute of Technology. [3065/97]
Written Answers - Cork Regional Technical College.
The position of Cork regional technical college will be determined in the light of the recommendations of the high level group which I established to advise on the technological sector.
On 4 February 1997, I announced the establishment of this high level group to advise on the criteria which would be applied to the redesignation of a Regional Technical College as an Institute of Technology. This will include the issue of devolution of responsibility to colleges within the technological sector in relation to the award of qualifications at various levels within a national certification framework. The high level group will also advise on the most appropriate means whereby institutions would be independently evaluated in relation to such criteria.
Work has already commenced to facilitate the deliberations of the group.