Mary White (Fianna Fail)

It probably would.

There is a full size engine room with simulators for all ship types from high-tech to basic. There is also a survival training facility with a 5 m deep pool, diving tank, hoist, life raft and a helicopter underwater evacuation trainer. Total darkness, high waves and hurricane-like winds can be generated within the pool giving total reality to emergency and rescue operations. There is an outside jetty and pontoon, including a freefall lifeboat and other maritime equipment.

In addition to eventually providing training for 750 full-time students, the new college will be a major attraction for international trainees, thereby reinforcing Ireland's position as a centre of excellence in maritime training.

The project was managed by, Focus Education Limited. The contract was advertised in the EU Journal in April 2001. It was signed in February 2003 and work commenced that spring. Particularly impressive was the fact that within 18 months a €51 million state-of-the-art facility was ready. Focus Education Ireland will maintain the lease for 25 years.

This morning I spoke to Mr. Pat Mitchell who is the facilities manager for the Bovis Lend Lease. He told me about a fascinating aspect of the college, which is the way of the future for such buildings. The college is available for maritime personnel from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., while the library is available to students until 10 p.m. After 5.30 p.m., however, the college is available to third parties, the income from which will be divided between the college and Focus Education Ireland, which is Bovis Lend Lease and the Halifax Bank. This is a case of using structures and facilities when they are not fully needed, including computers. Currently, the gymnasium is being hired out to local sports groups that can avail of its state of the art facilities.

Teachers employed by the college can provide training in the evenings to people who wish to attend, for example, a yacht master's course. Such courses would be in addition to the full master's degree. I am glad to be able to relate this positive story to the House. There is no question but that the development of this college will increase thenumbers of young Irish people who wish to develop naval careers.

I wish the Minister of State continued good luck. I was always a supporter of his. I saw him operating with the board of Bord Bia and he was well able to get the board's agreement to deal with his number one issue.