John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody for their contributions on the institutes around the country. I am very conscious that the HEA manages a fund worth €2.5 billion. There are 170,000 students in higher education and over 17,000 staff. These figures have a bearing on growth in the economy. It is important that there be regional development and a connection with IDA Ireland. Last week, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, made a big announcement in IT, Sligo, on the potential for developing a high-tech company in conjunction with IDA Ireland.

I have no doubt but that, with a fund of €2.5 billion, 170,000 students and 17,000 staff, issues will arise.

With regard to footprints and reconfiguration, a similar debate to that with regard to the institutes of technology in Waterford and Carlow is taking place in Sligo with regard to the institute of technology there, along with Letterkenny IT and GMIT. What are the issues and challenges? How have the numerous protected disclosures been managed? It is hard to imagine there would not be issues given the scale of the funding and the number of staff and students.