Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Senator that any matters that are brought to our attention will be examined by the HEA in the context of the development of this viability plan. That plan is going to the board, which will have an opportunity to consider it. I have to recognise that where an institution is in financial difficulty, there will be higher levels of accountability and scrutiny expected of all parts of it. Demanding higher levels of accountability and scrutiny in the current climate is not necessarily an indication of some sort of vindictive attitude.

I am not familiar with the reason the head of campus has resigned. Of course, that is a decision a person will make, but we will seek to ensure that there is proper leadership within Castlebar so that it can be a full part of the planned development. The key here is to ensure that this strong institute with a very strong tradition can be protected in a period where there is financial pressure on the institutes generally. As I say, the wider context is that we are now increasing investment in this area and that will be available to all institutions for which they can compete so that they can deliver improved services.