John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me continue on the theme of higher education, as raised by my colleague, Senator Malcolm Byrne. I wish to mark and acknowledge the occasion yesterday in the south east when the Minister visited the campuses of the new South East Technological University, SETU. The sense of positivity and optimism among the staff and students was palpable. There are many people who have worked for decades and campaigned tirelessly for a university in Waterford and for the south-east region. Thankfully, it came to fruition over the weekend.

At certain times in politics, one has to take a leap. Certainly, that is what has been done with SETU. There are many who sat on the fence throughout the entire process and who continue to do so. If things go in the wrong direction, they will say "I told you so". If they go in the right direction, they will say they always supported the technological university. I now hope that many of the dissenting voices can get on board with the journey we are to undertake in the region, the aim being to create more balanced regional development but also to have educational and research excellence within our regions so the young people of the south east can go to university in their own locality and develop their careers from there. Yesterday was a step change in that regard. All Members of the Oireachtas from the south east will be working with the Minister to ensure resources are put in place so the new university can progress.