Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Before I discuss the technological university, I compliment the Minister and thank her for her ongoing engagement with the junior certificate issue. I am sure these are difficult times for everyone involved.

I have serious concerns about the way in which the Waterford-Carlow technological university project is being handled, for example, the lack of consultation with staff in both institutions and the uncertainty about the vision and mission of a south-eastern university. Like Senator Cullinane, I have a difficulty with forcing a merger between the two institutes before they can seek registration as a technological university. It is my understanding that, whereas WIT has long been preparing to establish itself as a university and, for all intents and purposes, is ready to go now or will be within a short time, Carlow IT is playing catch-up. Taking the latter on board could set the project back as much as five years, which would not be a good idea.

I have concerns about the financing required in such a merger. We have been told that the institutes must finance it from within their current budgets by seeking deeper efficiencies. The institutes of technology are struggling, having had their backs broken by serious budget cuts in recent years.

In the event of a merger, what guarantees are there that there will not be a rationalisation that will impact negatively on the programmes on offer in both regions, but particularly Carlow? Programmes may move to Waterford, thereby disadvantaging people in Carlow.

I have concerns but would like to see Senator Cullinane's third option of WIT going it alone, with Carlow to join later.