Ms Josephine Feehily:

I certainly agree that borrowing as a signal of parity of esteem, even if we never took it up, is incredibly important. Transparency around funding models and all of that is also important. I understand the reticence of the Higher Education Authority, HEA, but it is certainly now time to move on. The HEA needs a governance framework. I get that. We would be very happy to engage with a governance framework around borrowing and consider how it might be used. As a signal of intent and parity, to commence access to borrowing would be well received across the sector.

I will go back for a moment to the Deputy's previous question. I will develop Mr. Deenihan's point. The bottom-up piece is visible in the Technical University of the Shannon, TUS, in terms of industry. It comes out of having very open networks with business. The businesses in the regions know that if they knock on the door, courses will be developed. It is not a matter of institute-out programmes. It also links in well to access. The Deputy made the point that students know there might be jobs in an area but those partnerships can then enrich the access programmes by providing, in addition, an opportunity for sponsorship for access students.

The Deputy also asked about money from businesses. Sometimes that contribution can be in the form of expertise or through the contribution of equipment or guest lecturers. That is very valuable.