Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Amendment No. 12 is similar to amendment No. 10. This is a unique opportunity. We have a totally new campus in the heart of an area where there has not been a tradition of opportunity to enter third level education. We should take this opportunity to ensure that these measures are built into the legislation from the outset, and that they are included in the functions of the agency that will establish the activities taking place on the site. We have some old universities that were built in a time when there was not the same level of participation in third level education that we have now. In that sense this matter is unique. For that reason it would be beneficial from everybody's point of view if there was interactive consideration of the needs and opportunities of the local community in having such a facility on its doorstep. That is the reason for my amendment, as it is for the others in this group. I hope the Minister will take it on board.

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