Quinn: Four priorities for reform of higher education

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has outlined four priorities in reforming higher education. He said these were:

1. Strengthening our university system;

2. The development and consolidation of the Institute of Technology sector;

3. The formation of regional clusters between universities, stronger institutes of technology and future technological universities;

4. Increased sustainability and capacity in the higher education system.

With regard to the fourth priority to increase the sutainability of the education sector, Minister Quinn said: "It is imperative that all higher education institutions are actively pursuing the realisation of savings as a matter of urgency", as well as confronting "embedded or restrictive work practices".

More to follow...