Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2011
25 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the review of the Hunt Report on Higher Education will be undertaken; the person who will lead this review; the timescale for the review and the terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5503/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not proposed to appoint an individual to conduct a review of the Hunt report. The process to develop the proposals for a new higher education strategy under the Chairmanship of Colin Hunt was a lengthy one and provided for a comprehensive examination of the challenges facing the sector with a wide range of inputs from different stakeholders as well as national and international expertise. I have considered the proposals and recommendations in the report. While I would not necessarily be bound by the specifics of every recommendation in the report, and in particular the specific issue of future financing will be the subject of further consideration as set out in the Programme for Government, I believe that, taken in the round, it represents the broad basis on which higher education policy should be developed over the coming decades. An Implementation Oversight Group is already in place and is developing a detailed implementation plan that identifies timelines and lead responsibility for different actions. I am satisfied with the initial implementation oversight arrangements that have been put in train and will be considering the draft implementation plan in more detail with my officials over the coming weeks.
