Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. McCarthy for that.

The financial review of the institutes has shown the funding issues. The sustainability of those institutions is really at risk, not only in terms of their academic performance but in terms of their very survival, particularly if it is not addressed. Another four have identified themselves as being at risk, either through deficit issues or limited reserves. Perhaps a to and fro approach would be most appropriate in the ten minutes or so that I have remaining. Could Dr. Love provide an overview of what the HEA is doing to address this issue in terms of working with these institutes to ensure they become more financially sustainable in both the short and medium terms, but also in terms of protecting students in those facilities where the risk of cash reserves running out is a real possibility?