Vol. 523 No. 4
253 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in respect of his plan to develop higher education in local regions; the centres which are available for such development; when he expects to be in a position to make announcements about the commencement of such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21222/00]
271 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the lower uptake of third level education in County Monaghan and the need for more high skill jobs; the plans he has to establish a third level facility in Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21370/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 271 together.
The needs of County Monaghan as well as other areas will be considered in the light of my plans to strengthen the education base in regions which are not well served at present and to establish effective links with higher and further education institutions.
I have had top level discussions with representatives of church, local authorities and elected representatives in Wexford and Kilkenny as well as senior staff from the Institute of Technology Carlow and the NUI, Maynooth, in relation to plans being developed in these areas.
