Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2010
495 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to upgrade Tralee Institute of Technology, County Kerry, to university status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22930/10]
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. No application has been received from Institute of Technology Tralee.
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 applications for university status before the publication of the report.
