Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I speak very fast. My thanks to Deputy Cullinane for being an enthusiastic supporter and for not playing politics with this. My thanks to the Deputy for being constructive in his engagement on this matter - I acknowledge that.

The Deputy is right on capital. The overall capital envelope will be decided in the national development plan. Let me say this without going too far: that is not delaying the discussions I want to have with Waterford Institute of Technology, as it now is, the local authority in Waterford and others to try to secure additional space. Those conversations are active, live and ongoing as we speak. The question of how advanced and how quickly we can get them remains to be seen.

We are very committed to trying to make progress in this regard to demonstrate good faith to the people of Waterford.

The location of the headquarters is a matter for the governing authority. The information issued by some people is factually incorrect. I will appoint the first board and I will be appointing sensible people to that board through a public process. They will be people with experience and expertise, who I am sure will take into consideration all the matters raised. The board will then repopulate itself with new members after two years, with a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 22. Up to eight of those members must be external and three are ministerial appointments. I will send the Deputy a detailed note on that aspect. I thank him for his support. We can do this and all that will stop us is ourselves. If we drive this project on, we can deliver this technological university on 1 January 2022.