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

Technological university status is about equality and fairness. The culture at Institute of Technology, Carlow puts its students at the heart of everything it does. Its culture of equality, openness, respect and inclusion is exactly the ethos we seek in a university. Technological university status will give us equal opportunity and offer a choice in the third level market.

The institute's commitment to participation is evident in the performance of new entrants. In the context of national policies, it is a key driver of progress and development in Carlow and the wider south east and mid-east. It is leading a range of actions under the Action Plan for Jobs for those regions. Importantly, this is about jobs for the south east, which has been neglected, given that Carlow, Kilkenny and small towns are competing against the Dublins, Limericks and Corks of Ireland. The institute's lead role in the south east also enables us to work with the mid-east regional skills forum. Everyone is working together.

In the past seven years, more than 50,000 IT Carlow pupils have enjoyed successful careers across all walks of life. Awarding it university status gives it a claim to a position among the world's leading young universities. Institutes represent everything in which I believe, but we must go forward.

I welcome this good Bill. I am delighted with it. We usually get things 95% right and leave the other 5% to be addressed later. We need to consider making a journey of discovery. We must encourage young adults and give them the opportunity to attend third level.

What is the process going forward? Thank God, the Bill is finished today. After it has been signed by the President, how long will it take to be implemented?