Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I agree with my colleague, Deputy D'Arcy.

The Taoiseach said in September 2005 that the university was on the point of being delivered. He said many things before the general election.

The Minister is treating the university for the south east in the same way as she is treating ABA schools. She does not want to make a decision. She has her own view and she could not care less about her backbenchers.

I am not sure if she heard one of those backbenchers, Deputy Aylward, this morning on local radio in Kilkenny. It almost came to fisticuffs with a local Fianna Fáil councillor. That is how hot this issue is in the south east.

The Minister is turning her back on this issue. It is great to commission a report and this was promised before the general election. Previous to the election she knew exactly what she wanted in the report. Is the Minister in favour of a university for the south-east region? How long will it take the Government to make up its mind in the consideration of this important report?

A map of Ireland will show that the south-east region is completely neglected with regard to university status.

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