David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government commits to a technological university for the south east. I am sure the Tánaiste will agree with me that this is a hugely important project for everybody in the south east. Two issues have arisen over the past number of weeks which need clarification. The first is that there is a lack of certainty in respect of where the headquarters of that new university will be located. There is a lot of speculation, which I do not believe is helpful. We need clarity.

There is a lack of clarity in the process in terms of the criteria that will determine where the headquarters will be. It should be where the critical mass of students is. That makes perfect sense. There are also issues with the required capital funding to increase the footprint of both campuses in Waterford and Carlow. I know Waterford Institute of Technology has made an application to the national development plan for a revised application of €200 million.

Will the Tánaiste confirm that this will be accepted? What is the level of capital funding that will be delivered? How will a decision be made on the headquarters?

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