Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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There is no doubt but that multi-annual funding is very welcome. This committee has visited a number of technological universities over the past four and a half years. I agree that we should not get too hung up on the borrowing framework and must consider the broader picture. Many of the technological universities are former institutes of technology, and the infrastructure around the apprenticeship areas is in dire need of funding. More space is required. The Minister will agree that the infrastructure where the training is being done requires further investment. That is the area that is brought to my attention and the attention of others by technological universities.

The South East Technological University in Waterford is the nearest to my area. Accommodation is an enormous issue for it. I know what it wants to do in and around accommodation. I understand that whatever funding the Minister has must be shared among all the technological universities, other universities and third level institutions. I know what the Minister means when he says we should not get too hung on that point but it is important that the universities are given an opportunity to get in on the borrowing framework. I know there is a process that has to be gone through in that regard and the Minister cannot, with the stroke of a pen, just change the current situation. Has the Minister any comment to make?