Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. I second what many other Senators have said. It is remarkable that we are here talking about opportunities and third level education, universities and all the work that we have to do to get into these universities, be successful and then come out the other side after all the hard work. Student nurses are on the front line and are not being treated as equal to more senior nurses. I second the call for student nurses to be paid, particularly during this crisis.

The new TU for the west and north-west is welcome. It will give students in Donegal and beyond new opportunities in higher education at all levels with courses online and remote learning. The technological university will also play a key role in helping the region compete on an international stage. I hope it will bring greater economic and social benefits to the west and north-west, including cross-Border communities. The Bridging the Gap report on Ireland's digital divide found that 42% of people describe themselves as below average in digital skills and 29% said they do not know where to learn. This would be a great opportunity for the new universities to ensure that measures are put in place to improve digital literacy and understanding.

The pandemic has shown that the challenges faced around the world require many different kinds of research. The Irish Research Council contributes funding for research in the sustainable development goals. There should be more funding like this for education.

Young people in Donegal welcome the university and we look forward to working with the Minister in the future along with Donegal ETB to make it happen.