Mr. Jimmy Deenihan:

It is multifaceted and not just any one area in particular. Infrastructure should be one of the priorities, which Dr. Prendergast mentioned in respect of research. From my experience in Bishopstown, Cork, there is a building in that location dating from 1974 which is not fit for purpose. I am sure committee members were taken to see it when they visited. If we want to attract more students into TUs throughout the country, we have to have top-class facilities. It is all incremental. It does not happen overnight, but it has to start somewhere. There should be a major building schedule to bring the TUs up to the standard of the traditional universities. That is one issue.

There is also the issue of research mentioned by Dr. Prendergast. MTU has done quite well in research but could do better if it had the facilities. A research facility will be provided in Bishopstown shortly. The other issues are very important but, from my point of view, the issue of upgrading facilities and providing new ones is very important.