This recommendation was approved by Senate in October 1999 and endorsed by the University Court in November of that year. Accordingly University Secretary Peter Wilson wrote to James MacDonagh, Director of LIT, on 19 November to notify him that the University wished to withdraw from its association with the institute as soon as reasonably possible. Heriot-Watt University has agreed to provide all reasonable assistance to LIT in finding an alternative validating institution, as well as a withdrawal period, to facilitate academic support of the current cohort of students. This relationship has been under review for some time. The change in Irish legislation which will affect this arrangement was discussed with Heriot-Watt.
Irish legislation provides for a period of transition.
The process of phasing out the arrangements for awarding Degrees has commenced with an exchange of letters between the two Higher Education Institutions. The whole process is continuing in a positive, friendly and co-operative atmosphere, as was the hall mark of this relationship from the start. It is with some regret we see this arrangement coming to an end, as the personal friendships and collegiate links will indeed be missed. However, in the years ahead, we will endeavour to maintain the links, perhaps by research or staff development activities. Irish legislation already passed by the Oireachtais requires Limerick Institute of Technology to bring the awards within a national framework, so our Degree awards will have to be from the N.C.E.A., which on June 1st is due to become the Higher Education and Training Awards Council.