Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
260 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent annual lobby of the Oireachtas 2004 organised by the Union of Students in Ireland which was attended by student leaders of the Institute of Technology in Tallaght; if he will confirm that the concerns of the USI are being addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8758/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not have details of the concerns to which the Deputy refers. I would need more information regarding the issues involved to address the matter further.
261 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the contacts he has had with the Institute of Technology, Tallaght regarding the need for further development of facilities at this institution; if his attention has been drawn to the anxiety of the college’s student union to see progress in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8759/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not aware of the concerns of the student's union at the Institute of Technology, Tallaght as referred to by the Deputy. However, if the Deputy is referring to further capital developments at the institute he is probably aware that the Higher Education Authority, at my request, is carrying out a review of capital projects to assess the entire set of demands in all publicly funded third level institutions, to establish prioritisation and agree re-phasing.
I understand the Institute of Technology, Tallaght has met the review group and made a presentation on its institutional strategy and set the capital development proposals in such a strategic context. It is the intention of the review group to have a report submitted to the HEA by the end of March. The authority will then advise me of its views. Decisions in respect of capital projects at third level institutions, such as those at the Institute of Technology, Tallaght, will be taken in the context of the capital envelope of funds available to me.
