Vol. 524 No. 5
459 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the results of his top level discussions with representatives of church, local authorities and elected representatives in Counties Wexford and Kilkenny in respect of further outreach centres; the timescale he envisages for decision-making in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22843/00]
At the recent discussions I asked local representatives in both Wexford and Kilkenny to draw up proposals for the recruitment of a high-level co-ordinator or director to progress the outreach projects in each of these locations and to prepare project plans for submission to my Department. A proposal for the appointment of a director for the Wexford centre has been received and is being considered by my Department in consultation with the Department of Finance. I am not in a position to indicate a possible timescale for decision-making in this matter at the present time.
In relation to the Kilkenny centre, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Higher Education Authority has recently increased the amount of funding from its targeted initiatives, to the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, in respect of its outreach centre in Kilkenny to £150,000.
