Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister. He certainly seems well aware of the importance of the third level link with industry so he has certainly answered my first question.

I want to make another couple of points. I have seen examples over the years where third level institutes have linked in with industry. This has worked really well. It also offers graduates employment opportunities in industries located close to their colleges. This is especially true in the areas of technology, science and engineering. As well as benefiting graduates in the institutions, it also means the industries are more embedded in the area. Both the third level institutions and the industry feed off each other and offer huge benefits to both sides. I ask the Minister to do everything in his power to develop these relationships.

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