David Norris (Independent)

The Minister of State may wish to note the enthusiastic support from the Government benches in respect of my suggestion. Consideration must be given to this proposal because establishing a university in the region would not only assist Waterford and the south east in general, it would also improve the country's prestige and restore a certain level of energy.

I am surprised that there has not been greater resistance to the proposed amalgamations, particularly as there must be implications for jobs. I expect the Minister of State will be in a position to reassure the House with regard to the measures that are going to be used to deal with issues of wastage, voluntary redundancies, etc. I hope good teachers will not be lost.