Dr. Deirdre Garvey:

Senator Conway-Walsh's opening question was about the previous chair of the Western Development Commission, Mr. Paddy McGuinness, throwing his hands in the air. I recognise the challenges Mr. McGuinness faced as I was on the WDC board at the time. Those who take on the position of chair of a board must believe they can make a difference and, in this case, that the commission can make a difference. We do that by building on the success we have. We have had many successes which have an impact, for example, in the creative sector, the WRAP fund, the accelerator initiatives, and the western investment fund or WIF. In 2010, no one would have projected that the WIF would be as successful as it has been, indirectly.

I appreciate what the Senator says about balancing pressure for regional issues with the pressure on central Government for funding. It is important not to become isolated from the centre, while at the same time having an ability to innovate locally and take measures to create sectors which are indigenous to, and sustainable in, the region over the long term. It takes between five and ten years to develop sectors such as the creative sector. We have identified several sectors for employment growth over the next few years and we are considering a strategic plan.

I recognise the issue. It is not naivety but we believe we have to make a difference. We have to look at where we have made a difference and how we can build on it.

I will come back to the Senator's other question about education. I have my WDC hat on today and not my education hat. With my WDC hat I say we share the concern about education in the region. Access to education is critically important right across the region. The HEA, in its report on the financial review of the institutes of technology, recognised that regional campuses, including Donegal and Mayo, provide access. That is a rationale to having education provision in those regions. They provide access for people who otherwise may not have access to third level education. It is highlighted in the Action Plan for Rural Development that the young male population in particular is leaving the region for education. Access to education is hugely important in retaining younger people in the region. I share the concern. It is hugely important that the provision of third level education in the region is maintained.

Was there one other point that we have missed?