asked the Minister for Education if he has any plans to upgrade the Waterford Regional Technical College; if he is aware of the need for further investment in the college; and if he will make a statement on the matter taking into account views which have been expressed in Waterford on the issue.

Wateford Regional Technical College was established in 1970 to provide education and training for trade and industry over a broad spectrum of occupations ranging from craft to professional level in engineering, science, commercial, linguistic and other specialities. The college has since been considerably extended to include additional courses in art and design, computing and business studies. The designated areas which the college serves include Waterford and the southern parts of Wexford, Kilkenny and Tipperary. I have no reason to believe that the college is not fulfilling the role for which it was established and accordingly there are no plans to have it upgraded.