Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to continue on where Senator Dolan has left off in saying this is really important for County Roscommon. Senator Dolan has adequately outlined the situation regarding the site – a brilliant site in the heart of Roscommon town. We want this in our county; we want it to be achieved. We were asked by GRETB to come together on this and bring it forward. In fairness to the Minister, he has led the way on this with the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins. The Government is very strong on apprenticeships, putting in place what many of us have called for down through the years. It is now happening, and I admire and thank the Minister for that. I heard him make the true statement recently that college and university may not be for everybody. I meet an increasing number of students who say they are not going to university. I automatically ask people what college or university they are in but they say they are not in one and are doing an apprenticeship. There are people in the county doing apprenticeships but it would be fantastic if we could get the proposed venture into the heart of Roscommon town.

I have a message from the people of Roscommon town and the county. They will totally embrace and support this proposal. They will work for it and help in any way they can, as Senator Dolan will know. Senator Dolan said we have an adequate site. We have a Minister who is enthusiastic, and the Minister of State is also enthusiastic. We can make this happen. We are very happy to come here on behalf of GRETB, make our case and speak up for our own area. I assure the Minister that there will be many students to take up the offer if the education centre is put in Roscommon town. It would be very good for the local economy but, more important, it would be good for students and our workforce.