Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is. I thank the Deputy. He has raised this issue with me a couple of times. He raised it when we discussed the HEA Bill, as it was then, through this committee. On the Deputy's recommendation, we strengthened the law around the role for the HEA in the promotion of the Irish language. There is a very strong provision in the legislation on the specific responsibility of the HEA to promote the Irish language and Irish language provision across third level.

I know from my recent engagement with the HEA that it is beginning to talk to each of the universities about what more they can do. Deputy Ó Cathasaigh knows they have autonomy. The question is how they see themselves playing their role in meeting the targets and also in meeting the major opportunities that exist. Colleagues often raise with me the job opportunities at European level in the institutions and the soft power that can bestow on our country. There is a body of work being undertaken by the HEA with the institutions. I am happy to keep the Deputy informed about it.