Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

That is the way it has been for many years.

There was a corresponding reduction in what they got from the Department.

On the technological universities, I would disagree with Deputy Jonathan O'Brien's point about the south east. While the situation is difficult, Mr. Michael Kelly is leading a consultation process. He has met not just the governing bodies but the various stakeholders in the region and in the institutions. He is due to report to me by the end of March, so I would hope to get that report very soon. I will not deny that there have been difficulties in the south east. There have been difficulties in the relationship between the two institutions. I want to see this succeed. I think the region deserves to have everybody make every effort to ensure it succeeds. The region has difficulties but if it can achieve technological university status, there is a very strong belief that it will help the region generally and I support that. I want to do everything I can to make it happen. That is why I have appointed Mr. Kelly. I would encourage the two institutions to engage fully in the process. I know that Mr. Kelly will make recommendations to me and I will certainly do everything I can to ensure that it proceeds to the next phase.