I welcome this opportunity to speak about the high standard of skilled workers we have in Ireland and to those students who are coming through our education system right now. This is something we should be very proud of, but it is also an area in respect of which we must be far more ambitious. When it comes to educating our citizens, the sky should be the limit. We need to recognise the achievements of our institutions. We are fortunate to have the South East Technological University, SETU, which has campuses across Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow and Kilkenny. We also have Carlow College, Ireland's second oldest third level institution, which recently announced that it will wind down operations and that no new students sill be accepted this September. As one can imagine, this is a massive blow for Carlow. Over 600 students attend the college, but, critically, 87 staff members now face redundancy over the coming two years. There has been talk of redeployment, but the staff must be central to those talks. They have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that we cannot afford to lose. There has been engagement between Carlow College and SETU. I ask the Department to work alongside the institutions to support a positive outcome for staff and to put supports in place for those who cannot transition to SETU. I would also like to know when the Government became aware of the plan to close Carlow College and whether any attempts were made to keep it open. This is a substantial site and an historic building that cannot be left idle to just rot away. The immense uncertainty hanging over staff and students right now cannot be overstated. I have heard from staff who do not know whether to stay in the hope of redeployment or to start looking elsewhere. I have also heard from students who are worried about whether their courses can be completed if the staff begin to leave. They deserve clarity, not vague assurances. We should strive to offer a wide range of third level courses in the south east. I have four sons in primary and secondary school. I know from speaking to other parents the worry and anxiety they feel at the thought of their children having to go to Dublin or Cork for a course. The cost is crippling for so many families. The silent sacrifices parents make so often I go unnoticed, but we make them just to give our children opportunities. That is why having a strong range of courses on offer and giving young people the chance to study near their own communities would be a positive development. It would be great for families and communities.

Sentiment score: 0.24