Review of Third-Level Projects
Bruton asked whether Dublin City University’s Phase 2 could proceed before the inter-departmental report. The Minister said only Tallaght regional college had been released early; other projects, including DCU Phase 2, remained under consideration.
If it is the case that of the eight projects which were postponed pending the report of the inter-departmental committee may I ask the Minister if (i) Phase 2 of the Dublin City University has been released in advance of the report——
Comment on this
——and, if that is so (ii) will the Dublin City University Phase 2 project go ahead in advance of the findings of the report being presented to the Minister?
Comment on this
The only project released pending the inter-departmental report was the Tallaght regional college. That was put forward as one of five flagship projects to Europe in advance of the quest for European Structural Funds. It was approved by Europe in the light of the nature and needs of the area and the type of training which would be carried out in the college. All of the other projects, including Phase 2 of the Dublin City University, fall for consideration under the allocation of funds. All of those projects will be considered by me, my Department and the committee of Ministers.
With regard to the question whether the provision of any further dental places should be a political one, I suppose all things in life are political with a small "p". The provision of any extra dental facilities will be considered when I receive the report of the inter-departmental committee.
