David Norris (Independent)

I hope it will not be demolished and replaced by something like that ghastly telephone house across the road. In that case, we demolished a row of 18th century buildings and sold the site to a British trade union's pension fund, which built that monstrosity and rented it back to the State. If anything was ever provincial, it was that act of vandalism.

As regards the question of the DIT becoming a university, I felt there was a bit of inverted snobbery in what Senator O'Toole said. I am delighted with institutes of technology. I am not sure but I think the Massachusetts Institute of Technology classifies itself as a university. I am prepared to give autonomy to the DIT. If it wants to be a university, it knows what it wants so let it at it. Let us not have any inverted snobbery. There was a time when the DIT did want that status. While it may be wrong, a part of one's status internationally is based on perception. If the DIT decides it wants to be a university and seeks my assistance in promoting that, I will do so. I do not give a damn about inverted snobbery. Let trades be part of a university. I was listening to a programme about the leaving certificate applied course which includes an examination on hair care and beauty. That is fine because such work provides a lot of employment. I would caution somewhat against what I call inverted snobbery.

In an interesting speech the Minister went through the history of the purchase of the Grangegorman site. I will not recap on that but it was imaginative to buy 65 acres. I am also glad that a little section was left to continue the tradition of Grangegorman in serving the needs of people who are in intellectual, mental or emotional difficulties. I am glad that an after-care service will be provided there.

It is also a good idea to rationalise and get rid of these properties, and thus avoid paying the rental which currently costs €4.15 million. There will be savings at the end of the day. The Minister referred to the remarkable courses offered by the DIT, including digital and other new media technology.

I listened with interest to what Senator Brady said because he is a representative from that area and was a member of the local authority.