Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:442 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to give university status to the Institute of Technology, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24926/01]
Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.
The process by which an educational institution may be established as a university is as set out in section 9 of the Universities Act, 1997. There are no plans at present to initiate this process with a view to upgrading the Institute of Technology Tralee to university status. In July 1996, the Government approved in principle the recommendations in the report of the steering committee on the future development of higher education as a benchmark for future planning in the sector subject to regular review. The steering committee report endorsed the maintenance of a diversified system of higher education to meet the varying needs of students, society and the economy. The report did not recommend any change in status for the Institutes of Technology.
On 11 June last, I commenced the remaining parts of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999. Under the provisions of this Act, it is open to Institutes of Technology to apply for delegated authority to make awards within a national qualifications framework.
My policy is to continue 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. 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. The Institute of Technology, Tralee will continue to play a major role in Irish higher education.