Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I certainly will take an interest in Ballyhaunis and would be delighted to visit the town with Deputy Calleary. Between the work we are doing in terms of the ETBs, capital funding and the Atlantic Technological University coming into being at the start of April, it is an exciting time for further and higher education in the north west, including Mayo. I look forward to working with the Deputy on that.

I thank Deputy Murnane O'Connor for all the work she has done in regard to Carlow College, St. Patrick's, for bringing me there and for the time she has given me on this issue. I acknowledge that the college has played a major role in higher education in Carlow and the south east. I thank the president, Fr. Conn, for his time and courtesy to me. It will not come as a shock or news to anyone when I say that the question of integration into a technological university is a matter for the university in question, which, in this instance, will come into being at the start of May. I would like to work with the Carlow College on this. My officials will be meeting with representatives this week to ensure the college can be as well-positioned as possible to put forward a strong case for integration. I look forward to working closely with the Deputy on this.

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