John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Part of the recovery for the south east will be the approval for the technological university involving the institutes of technology in Carlow and Waterford. What action will the Minister take to ensure they conclude negotiations and resolve their issues so that they can play a central role in the recovery of our economy in that area? Will he provide the necessary finance and professional input to solve some of the HR issues that have emerged?

There is significant debt involved that will have to be dealt with in order that the new entity will be able to perform at the highest level and quickly. This has dragged on for too long. The Minister needs to get involved to ensure that it comes to fruition sooner rather than later.

Second, I ask that the HR issues relative to Cork Institute of Technology, now with Munster Technological University, MTU, be resolved. There are whistleblower and other issues still outstanding and it is high time the colleges were forced to deal with those issues so that the new entity can move on without looking over its shoulder. We must ensure that all these issues are dealt with. This will require money, input from the Department of Education and Skills and leadership in that area.

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