Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If you look at the job creation we have seen through Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, you will see that this is a region that is growing and has had more employment than before. It continues to grow.

The South East Technological University is a work in progress. The south east has a university now and it did not before. This Government and previous governments promised that we would deliver on that, and we have. Now, we have to back that up with investment, just like we have to invest in the Munster Technological University in terms of campus development, etc. The Government is committed to doing the same for the South East Technological University, which is a success story but needs to grow and become more successful. Having a university in the south east is essential to attract the kinds of research programmes and companies we want to see in the south-east region. The south east has huge competitive advantages, such as Rosslare Europort, which has become a much busier hub for trade since Brexit. There are big developments, such as in the north quays in the city of Waterford, in which the State is investing as well. While I totally accept that the Deputy needs to be a strong voice for the south east and for Waterford, the Government is actually delivering a lot for both.