Mr. Tom Boland:

One of the approaches I intend to adopt in that respect is to engage people at the coalface with the HEA because the Deputy is correct that the person who will be appointed to the position will be a public servant from within the organisation. I have no capacity to appoint an external person. However, the way to embrace their direct knowledge is to bring the direct knowledge into the HEA, and we have a plan in that regard.

The Deputy also mentioned IDA Ireland's involvement and how it engages. The IDA and Enterprise Ireland were closely involved in the design of the ICT call and they also have advised on internships for higher education students. They are very much involved in that area.

I will get the Deputy the figures on construction workers; I do not have them with me. Mr. O'Connor will deal with the industry forum Senator Clune raised.