The position is that higher education institutions, including Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), are autonomous bodies and their day to day operational affairs including issues such as the provision of on-line courses are the responsibility of the management authority and governing body of the Institute. However, I understand that the HEA has been in contact with the Institute and has been advised that this course is being made available following an approach made to DIT by Mayo County Council to replicate an existing programme that they offer in Sherkin Island, Co. Cork. DIT has agreed to develop the programme, which can commence in September 2013 subject to sufficient numbers of interested and qualified applicants. I also understand that DIT is in on-going discussion with colleagues in the relevant department's of the Institute in relation to the delivery of the new programme.