Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I completely understand we cannot make predictions, particularly in respect of the Delta variant and the impact it might have. However, in respect of people making plans for accommodation, and I know we have improved it somewhat during the year, I ask that we provide as much certainty as possible, notwithstanding that there will be variables.

I must return to the issue of the number of extra lab places and physical infrastructure that will be put in place for students. I know money was allocated last year. What was that capital spent on? What were the outcomes of that? How many more students will it facilitate? How many more new students are we facilitating this year? Are the lecturers in place for that? Have additional lecturers been recruited across the board? I need reassurance that we have the capacity to address what we are trying to do so that we do not run into a bottleneck of problems come September or October.

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