Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I understand where we are coming from. We have just come through one of the toughest recessions this economy has ever seen. We have managed to turn things around. I understand we do not have the money to invest in all the projects we would like to invest in, or to undertake all the capital spending we would like to undertake. We need to look at the bigger picture. Obviously, we need to continue to invest wisely. Dunboyne College of Further Education is already catering for more students than it receives funding for. Over the past year and a half, I have got to know the staff at the college and the staff who have been loaned to it through St. Peter's College. The staff have done everything in their power to make sure as many students as possible are taken on, to refuse entry to as few students as possible, to expand their courses and to work with neighbouring colleges and businesses to suit the needs that are out there currently. I think they need to be rewarded for the work they have done. It is important that the post-leaving certificate allocation for the area is increased. Obviously, the space needs to be there to cater for that as well. I know the Minister of State will continue to work on this with me, my colleagues and the advisory board. I ask him to ensure it is not put on the back burner because it is too important.

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