Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the interest of time, I can send Deputy Conway-Walsh a more detailed note. My understanding is the Connacht Ulster Alliance has achieved the required technological university criteria. It has carried out its own independent audit. The CUA and the Teachers Union of Ireland, TUI, are in negotiations on a memorandum of understanding on a number of associated position papers. A ballot is to take place in that regard and it is likely to submit the application to me in March. We will then go through the normal statutory process of appointing an international independent panel, similar to what we have done for the others. I am aware of the Deputy's keen interest in this and I am happy to keep her up to date.

On the apprenticeship action plan, our intention is to go to the Government in March. The Minister of State, Deputy Collins, may wish to add to this. Much good work has been done on this. It is an exciting plan. We want to get to 10,000 registered apprentices every year by 2025, up from a current average of 6,000. It will involve the private sector doing more. It will also involve the public sector doing more. It cannot just lecture the private sector. Every Department, county council and State agency should be providing career opportunities for our young and not so young people. There is plenty of work to be done and there are plenty of opportunities for apprenticeships.

The national development plan review, which is likely to conclude in the autumn, will give us a chance to have our say on the additional capital we would like to see in the higher and further education sector. We are preparing our submission. I take the point that every technological university needs to be accompanied by a programme of investment. We have already shown good faith in that regard but are happy to continue to engage with the Deputy on that.

I will leave some time in case the Minister of State, Deputy Collins, wishes to add anything.