Vol. 435 No. 10
31 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education the way in which she proposes to fund the big expansion of student numbers at UCC and Cork regional technical college, especially in view of the serious overcrowding in these colleges.
Since I have taken up office I have had the opportunity to visit both of the institutions referred to by Deputy Allen. Indeed it was only in the last few weeks that I had the pleasure of visiting Cork regional technical college to open the new Atrium and to perform the "topping out" of the new library. I am therefore familiar with the capital needs of both the regional technical college and UCC.
I recognise that further resources are required but I am also satisfied that the present ongoing rolling capital development programme is addressing the issues raised by the Deputy. For example, over the period 1990-93 the following works have been completed or are at virtual completion stage:
UCC:—national microelectronics research centre, phase III; additional facilities for aquaculture; an extension of the food science facilities; an extension to the Aras na Laoi building to cater for additional numbers.
