Dan Neville
Ceist:15 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for the upgrading of regional technical colleges. [16678/97]
Written Answers. - Regional Technical College Status.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:46 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the attainment of university status by regional colleges throughout the country; when this status will be conferred and in relation to which colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21677/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 46 together.
The education technology investment fund is central to my strategy for upgrading regional technical colleges. This is a £250 million investment programme, over a three year period. About £100 million will be invested in the technological sector. This is an historic level of investment in the sector and will underpin the sector's role in the promotion of economic and social well-being. These funds will be additional to the existing investment programmes of support for the sector. This is real upgrading. It addresses a core issue for the colleges — resources.
I will also move on the legislative front. My objective is to develop a framework for the structured development of institutions in the technological sector to address changing local and national demands, while ensuring the maintenance of the complementary third level systems of university and technological education. I further stated that the diversity of institutions and the separate missions of the two broad sectors will be maintained so as to ensure maximum flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of students and to the wide variety of social and economic requirements.
Following necessary consultation I hope to publish legislation as early as possible next year which will provide for the co-ordinated development of the technological sector and enhance its contribution to national and regional development.
Institutions in the technological sector have a distinctive and unique mission which this Government wishes to maintain and develop. As the Deputy is aware, the Universities Act, 1997, sets out a specific process to be followed where an institution seeks university status. This process is, as it should be, independent of political influence. I agree with the need to change the title of regional technical colleges to incorporate the common feature institute of technology, as recommended in the report of the high level group on the technological sector.