ITs must meet strict upgrade criteria

The rapid establishment of technological universities (TU) is not guaranteed by last week’s passing of enabling legislation, the head of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has cautioned.

While the Technological Universities Bill should be signed soon by President Michael D Higgins, any institutes of technology hoping to be upgraded must meet strict criteria.

While statements from political leaders and colleges have alluded to the opening of technological universities by the end of 2018, HEA chief executive Graham Love said there are formal steps to follow first.