Uncertainty over time-frame for tech universities

There is uncertainty about when third-level colleges can become technological universities (TUs) but the Government insists some will be in place by the end of the year.

It said a month ago that the first TUs would open by September. Law underpinning TUs, to be formed by the mergers of two or more institutes of technology, was only passed two days ago.

There is still a requirement for formal applications to be made and to be assessed by a panel of higher-education experts.