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Institutes of Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 September 2011

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Ceisteanna (1)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

1 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is considering the re-designation of institutes of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25609/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí ó Béal (7 píosaí cainte)

The national strategy for higher education to 2030 lays out a clear development pathway for amalgamated institutes of technology which meet specified performance criteria to seek redesignation as universities. A small number of new technological universities, with their own legislative framework and a distinct mission that is faithful to the ethos of the technological sector, working with existing universities, institutes of technology and other education providers, can enrich the quality of the higher education landscape. I have asked the Higher Education Authority for its formal advice on draft performance criteria and it is engaged in a consultation process in this regard. I expect to be in a position to publish the criteria before the end of December. Once a process is in place, it will be open to institutes of technology to come together to make applications for consideration for redesignation. All applications will be considered as part of an independent assessment process.

This question is of the utmost importance, particularly for the south east in view of the very disappointing news of the major loss of employment in Waterford with the closure of the TalkTalk facility. When does the Minister expect the HEA to sign off on the relevant performance criteria? Will he encourage the institutes of technology to work together to achieve university status? Is that his view at this stage? At the end of March, in reply to a question from Deputy Halligan, he was clear in stating he did not want rebranding or relabelling of institutes of higher education. I totally agree. Following a Government meeting in early September, it was reported in the national press that the Government would accelerate the provision of a new technological university in Waterford, following the announcement of the job losses mentioned. Is the Minister taking a different view now with regard to the needs of the south east than he did earlier in the year?

I am not taking a different view, but I am conscious of the urgency of the criteria being published because of what has happened in the south-east region. That is why, since the most recent job loss tragedy in the area with the TalkTalk job losses, I have asked the HEA to accelerate the finalisation and publication of the criteria. As I said, I hope to have them by December and by December I mean before Christmas.

Does the Minister expect the criteria to be forwarded to him by December?

I have asked the HEA to get them to me as early as possible, that is, this side of Christmas. Then it would be a matter — if I can anticipate the Deputy's question — for all of the institutes, specifically Waterford which has been to the forefront in this matter. The Deputy knows the history. The institute in Waterford was redesignated and as a consequence of that decision, others sought similar designations and the entire sector was lifted.

In the context of the problem in the south east, as it manifested itself recently and as was said at the Cabinet, the Hunt report addressed this issue in general and stated a technological university could and possibly would be an option, provided the institutes coming together changed the substance of the activity in the new entity, as distinct from simply changing the name. That is where we are. Let us see what the criteria specify and take it from there.

All of us are conscious of the linkage between the provision of higher education, whether at institute of technology, further education or university level, and commercial activity. The needs of the south east are pressing. Will it be the Minister's role to sign off on the criteria subsequent to the HEA submitting them to his Department? Does he expect to be in a position, in the spring, to set down specific criteria for possible redesignation of institutes of technology?

The HEA is not the decision-making body, as the Deputy knows from his own Cabinet experience. It will make recommendations setting out the criteria on which the Government will decide. I will bring the recommendations to the Cabinet and decide on them because of the importance of the matter. I will do this sooner rather than later.

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