John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill and it fits in with all of the new developments taking place at third level. There are technological universities now in various regions to ensure that so many now have access to education. This will further enhance our profile abroad. It will show the world and the international markets that we are concentrating on research and innovation. It is about being at the cusp of all developments relative to the new green technology, and all of the other challenges that face small businesses and the multinationals here, which can be resolved by research. The future of our employment rests on that, and so, therefore, does the success of our economy. When you examine that you find you will need all of the skills and resources universities can produce. I would like to see the new entity be lightweight, and able to manoeuvre and change at a rapid pace because that is the way the world has gone. That is the way technology has gone. If we do not prepare ourselves to be to the fore of the changes necessary in this ever-changing world, then we will fast lose our place. It will be important, in the context of research and development, that we are able to commercialise ideas quickly, to put State money behind the initial steps and then be able to export those ideas. Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and other existing agencies contribute in no small way to research and development. However, communities also want to participate.

I was disappointed with the outcome of the setup of the South East Technological University in that in all of our discussions leading up to its establishment it was agreed that Kilkenny would have a campus. Kilkenny city and county and the region are recognised as having an association with research and development, and an association with design. We were promised a campus but in the yearly report from the president there was no mention of it. In fact, there was no mention made of Kilkenny. Having supported the establishment of the South East Technical University, I am disappointed. I would ask that the Minister, who has been very proactive in the development of this area and in funding all the initiatives, would take a particular interest in the fact that it would appear that Kilkenny is being short-changed. Those who now manage the development of that university are not interested in the likes of Kilkenny and that does not sit well with me.

I also put forward the idea of a centre of education, a centre of study, a centre of research into Norman history and its connection to Ireland and Ireland's development from that stage in our history onwards. That could have included a Norman museum. It is not too late to establish such a facility. I believe the Minister should be asked to do that in the context not just of this Bill, but in the context of the university as well.

An agency like this needs to be light and needs to be able to turn and twist with the times. In Kilkenny city, SOLAS and the ETB are to provide a centre of excellence for apprentices. That seems to be held up by more bureaucratic nonsense and delays in the purchase of the appropriate site. Sites like this do not come easy and do not come often. A site has been identified by the ETB and I presume by SOLAS. I encourage the Minister to find out the reason for the delay in the delivery of the site. He should insist that the deal, which has been spoken about and agreed, be implemented immediately. I am aware that SOLAS has dragged its feet in this area and that the date to close the deal set by the ETB has not been met by the parties concerned. I would not like to see the same inefficiency and lack of passion about the project emerging in a new organisation like this. It is important for the Minister to leave his mark on this legislation not just by introducing it but by insisting that there be efficiency, value for money for the taxpayer and definite outcomes in terms of tangible jobs to be delivered in the context of research on development.

We are very happy to see Tirlán in Kilkenny and I watch with great interest its research and development activities on food and a new approach to dairy products and so on. One could only be impressed. In that research and development, and that company, we see a very positive place in our economy and in international markets for the coming years, thereby securing the jobs that are absolutely necessary.

We should not forget the SMEs. Significant work needs to be done to fund the type of research and development necessary to ensure their success. Successful SMEs are those that are gearing themselves towards that success. They need to be supported tangibly financially. They need to be worked into the system into Enterprise Ireland, into the export market, thereby securing not just the profile of the area they come from but also jobs etc. I welcome the Bill and I ask the Minister to address the few questions I put to him.

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