Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 3

Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

306 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to proposals which are under consideration in the Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology to close the school of science and technology; his views on whether the closure of such a school would be in the interests of the institute, of the area and of the industrial and technological development of the country; his further views on the effect the closure of the school of science and technology will have on the development of the science, technology and innovation infrastructure which is required to underpin the next stage of economic development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31214/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

I am not aware of any proposals by Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology to close the school of science and technology in the institute. Any such proposals by an institute of technology would have to be discussed with my Department in the context of the annual programme and budget process whereby I approve the institutes' programmes. Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology did not include any proposal in this regard in their programme and budget submission to my Department this year. As my Department has not received any such proposal from the Institute it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.