I propose to takes Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
The Department of Education and Skills is aware of the infrastructural challenges faced by Waterford Institute of Technology. The proposed facilities referred to by the Deputy are among the many competing demands on the Department’s capital budget for higher education.
The Department has provided over €17m in capital Exchequer funding to Waterford Institute of Technology since 2010. Of this total, €5.4m was allocated to the Institute by means of devolved grants. The purpose of the devolved grant is to facilitate institutions in undertaking small-scale building works, refurbishment works and equipment upgrade and renewal.
Funding for the proposed facilities will be considered within the context of competing demands. I am not in a position to commit to a funding allocation at this point.