Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the emphasis put on education in the next national development plan. That attention is important and worthwhile in terms of investment. I have some sympathy with the claim that the south east is much like the north west in respect of certain matters. A solution to the problem of radiotherapy is being found in the south east but the problem remains for the north west. The Tánaiste stresses the importance of the quality of service given to patients but part of that quality comes from accessibility.

The Government will have to review the location of universities because it is extraordinary that more universities were established prior to the creation of the State than subsequently. I am a strong supporter of the campaign to establish a university in the south east and we should also consider the possibility of a university in the north west.