Vol. 554 No. 5
558 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if approval will be given to Sligo Institute of Technology to run the Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts and Bachelor of Science in Applied Archaeology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15939/02]
628 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the DRAM Course at Sligo Institute of Technology did not make an intake of students in 2002; if it will make an intake in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16409/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 628 together.
My Department this year received a number of applications from institutes of technology for approval to run courses which appeared to fall outside the range of courses traditionally provided by the technological sector. The applications from Institute of Technology, Sligo, to which the Deputies refer came into this category.
As any expansion of the range of provision by the technological sector would have significant implications not only for that sector but for third level provision generally, it was decided not to approve any such applications pending a review of the remit of the institutes of technology in relation to the provision of courses. In that context the views of the council of directors of institutes of technology and of the Higher Education Authority have been sought. I will consider the matter further when the review is complete.
