Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her consistent, persistent and determined advocacy in respect of Carlow College. I wish for the people of Carlow to know that we speak about the issue on a regular basis. I am looking forward to speaking to Fr. Conn Ó Maoldhomhnaigh, the president of Carlow College. As the Deputy is aware, my officials wrote to Carlow College to suggest that it carry out a piece of work relating to its future, financial sustainability and the likes. I have been honest about this from the start in stating that my absolute sequencing here is to establish the technological university for the south east, of which I know the Deputy is a big supporter. Once it is established, there will be opportunities for others to join it in various ways at that stage. That option will be open to Carlow College. As the Deputy is aware, I have also discussed the matter with the president of Institute of Technology Carlow. I will continue to work very closely with the Deputy on this issue.

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