Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2010
555 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to decide on the application to upgrade Waterford Institute of Technology to university status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20572/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is that applications have been received from three higher education institutions for designation as Universities; Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology.
The issue of university designation does not just affect the institutions and the regions from which applications have been received; it also impacts on the future structure of the higher education system throughout the country. The Government wants to build on our strengths and to provide an environment where all our higher education institutions can develop in a way that best serves the country as a whole as well as the regions where they are based.
A High Level Group is currently developing a new national strategy for higher education. That Group is critically examining the roles and relationships of higher education institutions so that the system can deliver the levels of efficiency, performance, innovation and growth that will optimise Ireland's ‘smart' economic recovery and social development. The Strategy Group are expected to finalise their report before the summer and there are no plans to advance any of the current applications for university status before the Group completes its work.
