Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Institutes of Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 January 2021

Thursday, 14 January 2021

Ceisteanna (157, 158)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

157. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the terms of reference approved by the HEA and a company (details supplied) for the mid-term review report at GMIT County Mayo campus; the progress on the implementation of the working group’s recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2071/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

158. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the independent report by a company (details supplied) on the GMIT Mayo Campus working group’s plan will be presented to the HEAs finance and governance committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2072/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.

As the Deputy is aware a Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) Working Group was established in March 2017.  The key objective of this group was to develop a plan to develop a sustainable future for the Mayo Campus arising from concerns about the financial viability of the campus.   The Governing Authority of GMIT in consultation with the HEA have responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations of the report to promote the future sustainability of the Mayo Campus as an integral part of GMIT in the North West Region.  The Report contained 33 recommendations for implementation. A status report on the recommendations in tabular form was provided to the Deputy in October 2020 and remains unchanged (attached again for ease of reference).

The report of the Working Group advised that a Mid Term Review of the recommendations of the GMIT Working Group Report be undertaken. This process formed part of the implementation plan (Section 6.1) which recommended a review at end of year 2. The Terms of Reference for the mid-term review were approved by the HEA and Mazars were appointed as the independent assessor for the review.  The report of the independent assessor will be presented to the HEA’s Finance and Governance Committee by the end of Q1 2021.  The assessor’s report will include an analysis of processes (including planning & budgeting), identify strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for the improvement of programme implementation. 

The objectives of the review pending completion of the review are outlined below

- Assess progress in implementation of a sustainable development plan for the Mayo campus to review:

- Implementation of the management and governance structures required to underpin the plan.

- Progress on the reform of the existing programme portfolio and new programme development and examination of whether this has led to an increase in student numbers.

- Progress on the implementation of a distinct marketing strategy for the Mayo campus.

- Review of stakeholder engagement and enterprise development opportunities.

- Identification of progress on funding and financial sustainability and the underpinning campus infrastructure including increases in income and reduction in the cost base.

- Identify actions as necessary to ensure that GMIT continue to deliver the overall vision and objectives of a sustainable campus in Mayo.

I will advise the Deputy once I receive further update from the HEA after review has been presented. 

GMIT Mayo Campus

Barr
Roinn