Mr. Martin McKendry:

I thank Deputy Conway-Walsh for her kind comments on Enniskillen and our equine provision. Within the campus, we have about 200 equine students from level 2 FE right up to honours degree provision. It is a unique provision in these islands and has a clear focus on equine provision. We have invested considerably in the facilities and the people resource there. We are focused on and close to the equine industry, which is a global player. There is a strong equine sector in the South of Ireland. We have strong links through bursary and scholarship, leading to good jobs within the sector. The other part of it is that a number of people who have come from the South have had very successful careers and this means when other younger people talk to people in the industry, they become strong advocates for equine provision. There is momentum built around it. We have worked hard to have that footprint in the South. We attend many equine events. We know the industry and the key players in it fairly well. They invest considerably in the service provision. Therefore, we are at the stage where 40% to 50% of students come from the South.

On lessons, we are pretty unique because it is quite a defined sector and therefore lends itself to building long-term relationships, collaboration and partnerships. When that is tied with investment and career opportunities, there is a unique provision as a result. The lessons about job creation and job prospects have been clear. Our provision is very much industry-led. We have afforded opportunities to people to travel globally. I believe there is absolutely more potential within the equine sector to do more. If one talks to the industry, like in many sectors, there is a dearth of young talent coming in. That is an area that we intend to progress and develop further over the next year or two.