Joe McHugh
Ceist:419 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the third level review will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22285/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 May 2010
Ceisteanna (391, 392)
Joan Burton
Ceist:430 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she expects to receive the report of the HUNT committee on higher education. [21460/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 419 and 430 together.
A High Level Group is currently developing a new national strategy for higher education. That Group is examining how well Ireland's higher education system is performing, how it ranks internationally, how well existing resources are being used and how the system should be configured to best meet the many challenges it faces over the next decade having regard to the key role it has to play in contributing to Ireland's economic recovery.
A round of consultation was completed in summer 2009, under which an open call for written submissions elicited a significant and valuable response. In addition, a series of discussion forums with academics, students, enterprise as well as bilateral meetings with other stakeholders, including the institutions, have been held. The outcomes of these consultations and other ongoing discussions are feeding into the current deliberations of the Strategy Group who are expected to complete their report before the Summer.