Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

Absolutely. It was a very impactful visit, if I say so myself, and very worthwhile.

Fantastic work is going on at Kildalton college. As the Deputy knows, Kildalton college will split the delivery of the programme with the Waterford campus of South East Technological University. Its engagement with the Veterinary Council of Ireland is currently ongoing in regard to the professional accreditation of these new programmes. This is a very significant programme for the south east region and nationally. There is a demand for veterinary places and many students are travelling abroad to study these courses. We want to get this up and running. There are issues around regulatory and curricular approval, staffing, equipment and lab facilities. All of them have to be open, so there is a tight timeline. I can assure the Deputy that I will speak to the Minister for higher education with a view to progressing this as quickly and effectively as possible.

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