Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I can only speak on behalf of the Institute of Technology, Carlow, and I have spoken about it many times. Let us consider the criteria and statistics, and criteria mean a lot. In Carlow, there are 8,000 learners in the current academic year, which represents a 66% increase in total enrolments and a 68% increase in the number of graduates. In addition, 92% of graduates from the Institute of Technology, Carlow, are in full-time employment within five months of completing their examinations. I note that Senator Grace O'Sullivan did not mention the Institute of Technology, Carlow, when she cited percentages for other institutes of technology.

Last weekend, I gathered together figures for the institute and one can see that it is the fastest growing institute. The Institute of Technology, Carlow, represents all that is beneficial to students, whether that is the possibility to prosper and pursue their dreams and ambitions. I firmly believe that graduating from a technological university opens doors in terms of a career and gives another level of education. I totally agree with the Minister of State that some of the best students cannot go to universities, that we must correct that situation and that proper criteria are required. I can vouch that the criteria are excellent in the institutes, particularly in the Institute of Technology, Carlow, and they need our support. Therefore, I will not support the amendment.