Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)

I thank Deputy Coffey for allowing me speak on this issue. It is an issue that I support fully. We have promised in the programme for Government to examine the establishment of a university in the south east. Over the past few years, campaigners in Waterford and in the south-east region have put a great deal of time, effort and money into the bid to gain university status for Waterford IT. Despite a very strong campaign, it seems that the groups have drawn a frustrating blank, as decisions were delayed and a key report in the issue was only released in the dying days of the last Government. Now we have an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the matter once again, and the issue of a technological university is coming into focus.

There seems to be confusion as to what exactly a technological university is, as there is no internationally recognised and agreed definition. This is why I support a call for the criteria defining technical or technological university to be brought forward as soon as possible. It is important that any changes in the status to WIT or any other IT do not make the institute any less accessible to local students. Access to good, quality education locally is vital and this has been one of the strengths of institutes of technology. They do not exclude students who might be seen as less academic, but provide top quality education and training for all students, while offering the chance to progress as far as PhD level if desired.

Research shows that students who go to college are less likely to come home to settle after they have graduated. This is why we need students to have the opportunity to obtain the quality qualifications at home. Brain drain will not help us create jobs in the south east. Figures released this week show that unemployment is again growing in Waterford and in the south east. This needs to be tackled as a matter of urgency.

The sooner we bring forward the criteria for defining a technological university, the sooner institutes like WIT can capitalise on increased funding and research opportunities that a designation of this kind would bring. Having said that, any new criteria must emphasise the highest standards in accountability so that moneys are spent in ways that are prudent and which benefit education and research, rather than on cosmetic enterprises.

Ultimately, whatever changes are proposed must be meaningful and helpful and must build on the great work done by all those associated with Waterford Institute of Technology. We do not want this to be a case of giving something a new coat of paint and a new name for the sake of it. We want to see the technological university brought to the south east so that our graduates and young people can work and remain there.

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