Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. She does not need me to tell her about the success of the Wexford campus because she herself has been a beneficiary. I very much believe this technological university for the south east will be transformational, not just regarding access to education, although that will be the case, but also regarding the foreign direct investment potential the Deputy referred to. I have met the IDA on this. It, too, has signalled to me that a university for the south east could be very important. I encourage the community, including the business community, and all the people of Wexford and the rest of the south east to prepare for this new university and determine how they can harness its full potential. I encourage the local authority to work very closely with IT Carlow on considering the use of all its powers to make sure we, together as a State, secure the new site. I have approved a proposal. I have earmarked funding within my Department. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has approved it, as has the HEA board. We stand ready to do what I have described but it has to be within the parameters set out in terms of value for money.

See this speech in context