Technological Universities Bill delay
Deputy Troy sought an explanation for the long delay in bringing forward the Technological Universities Bill, and Deputy Howlin complained it had been parked. The Tánaiste said it was awaiting Committee Stage and would ask the Minister to contact the Deputy.
The Technological Universities Bill has sat on the Government's side of the House for in excess of 18 months. It was meant to come before the previous Dáil. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, has said on numerous occasions that it is imminent. We have yet to see it come before the floor of the House. A number of institutes of technology, such as Athlone, are anxiously awaiting a decision and have met other independent verified standards in order to be upgraded to a university. We are now waiting for the Government to produce the necessary Bill. What is the delay? When will the Bill come before the House for completion?
