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

As the Deputy knows only too well, it is not as easy as simply removing borrowing restrictions. In the past, the Government has introduced restrictions on borrowing decisions for good reasons. This was because many educational institutions got into a lot of financial difficulty. We need to make sure that whatever we do works and is sustainable financially. However, I agree with the Deputy that technological universities need to be able to see investment, such as through student accommodation and research facilities, so they can develop as innovative university campuses. That is something I do not disagree with the Deputy on. In the south east, there are 15,300 jobs supported by IDA clients. If the Deputy wants, we can get the figures in relation to Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs as well. However, that is not an insignificant contribution to the national economy.

On the issue of offshore wind, I think the Government now has clarity on how the offshore wind industry is going to develop. It will be a State-led process in terms of planning. That has been a source of frustration for some developers, but it is the right thing to do to avoid legal challenges at a later stage and so we can make sure this investment actually happens and is not frustrated.

In the medium to long term, there will undoubtedly be a mix of fixed and floating offshore wind. In the short term, the current rounds have seen a prioritisation of fixed, because it is much cheaper and it is more proven technology. However, I have no doubt that floating wind projects will also happen in time, particularly off the west coast, and also potentially off the south coast. That is a big opportunity for counties such as Cork, Waterford and Kerry. I think those are all the questions.