Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply, although he is not the line Minister. He has been given a script and must respond accordingly. What I find most curious, however, is the sloping shoulders approach whereby the institutes are independent. The bottom line is that they receive a block grant from taxpayers' money. I note LIT's commitment, but access to education is important. There are practical issues such as being able to commute, access for those without cars, and the problems facing people who cannot afford to travel to and from Limerick.

If the Minister for Education and Skills and her Department are that removed from running institutes of technology, do they no longer appoint people to the boards or governing bodies? Are there ministerial appointees on the governing bodies of institutes of technology and, more specifically, Limerick Institute of Technology?

Based on what the Minister of State has read out, one would have to suggest that ministerial appointees to the LIT board are redundant and should not be there. Maybe they are not there. Perhaps the Minister of State in his own good time could convey that point to the Minister of Education and Skills. I want to know what ministerial appointees on the LIT board are doing. Do they have any interest in County Clare at all?

As regards the high costs argument, was any effort made-----