Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Cathaoirleach is entirely right. We have all been making this point for a long time and, in fairness, there are many believers in this room. It is always about the region. We all wear our county jerseys from time to time and that it is important. We are elected to Dáil Éireann to represent our constituents. The regional impact of these technological universities is where the real transformation will be. The strategic plan published in recent weeks by the South East Technological University recognises this. It set out the vision for the region. It is about every part of the region playing to its strengths, as the Cathaoirleach rightly said.

I will not get into the individual veterinary college proposals but today we saw SETU recognise that Kildalton College in Kilkenny has real potential because of the tradition in the agricultural college there. It is not being small-minded but asking how we play to our advantage and then complement the work being done in each part of the region. The straight answer to a straight question is that it is a matter for SETU, and its governing authority and chair in consultation with the executive, to decide how it wishes to provide courses throughout the region. We stand ready to support it on proposals and ideas and work with it and the HEA in this regard. It is for SETU to decide quite rightly and properly what is provided in each part of the region and on what campus.

We were very clear as we established SETU that a Wexford campus would be a very important part of it. I have been on the Wexford campus with the Cathaoirleach. I am very proud of the work that is being done in Wexford. I was very taken by some of the learners I met who told me if the campus had not been there, they would not have been able to access a university education. This shows the importance of being able to provide education locally. I met some lone parents who spoke openly to me about the fact that if they had had to travel to Waterford, it would not have worked for them. It has a particularly good tradition of lifelong learning. I was very struck by this when I went there.

I am also conscious that the technological universities have a mandate in law to engage with industry. The Cathaoirleach made a point about the skills needs in County Wexford, and there is an opportunity to explore it. I express my gratitude to Wexford County Council for the role it has played. I am conscious of the CPO process needing to conclude and I do not want to cut across it. We stand ready to assist. I know SETU has been doing some thinking on the Wexford site also. We will work with it on capital applications as they are made.