Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am not a member of the committee, but I thought it important to come along to welcome Paddy Malone because I have known him for many years. He is taking on a role in which I wish him well. DkIT has more than 5,000 students and 500 staff. As others have stated, the institute makes a great contribution not only to north Leinster but also to south Ulster. We have 1,400 students qualifying every year from the various faculties, including engineering, humanities, business, informatics, creative arts and health and science. Mr. Malone referred to WuXi Biologics. More than 90% of DkIT graduates remain within the region. That provides a powerful injection of fresh talent, energy and motivation to enterprise and the community in general.

I wish Mr. Malone well for the future. His new role will be a big one in the context of seeking technological university status and developing research, innovation and teaching. I have come here to endorse Mr. Malone as somebody whom I have known for a lifetime. I know his total commitment, not only to Dundalk but also to the wider

region. He referenced the region several times in what he had to say, including in respect of his contribution to the county development board and, in particular, regarding the M1 corridor. That is a crucial part of the role DkIT can play in developing our region. I wish Mr. Malone well in working with the President and the staff of DkIT. Colleges are struggling at present to decide their direction. We all accept that technological status is important. There is a major contribution to be made in the context of cross-Border co-operation. I wish Mr. Malone well also in getting that co-operation from the board and the politicians who will serve on the board, as well as businesses across the region.