Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the first matter raised, the Minister for Finance will take up any requirements that the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement will have for any of its legislative responsibilities and take them forward as quickly as possible. The Director of Corporate Enforcement has the right to apply to the House for the appointment of an inspector, if he feels it is necessary. That is an ongoing matter in investigations.

The Government has been briefed on the UCD-TCD innovation alliance and the initiative will be launched today. The Irish Universities Association was fully briefed on the proposal last night. I am confident that in the interests of the entire university sector the association will welcome today's announcement of greater co-operation between the two universities. It would be inappropriate to comment on the details of the plan in advance of today's announcement.

The Government welcomes any proposals which will help Ireland improve its performance and international standing in research innovation and make positive contributions to economic renewal. New ideas such as this should not be seen as threat to anyone. It is an example of new thinking which is to be welcomed and should encourage others to think outside the box. The Minister for Education and Science has made clear that funding under the PRTLI-5 programme will continue to be allocated through the current process of competitive assessment of proposals.

Given the current difficult economic circumstances, it is time for everyone to pull together. I am confident the university sector will welcome co-operation between our two largest universities. Stronger alliances make the sector stronger from an internal point of view also. The third and further level sectors must be thinking of ways that they can make a greater contribution to economic recovery. I look forward to further collaboration emerging in the future.

The review of the Equality Authority's funding is taking place. Arrangements will be put in place that will ensure the issues that are arising will be dealt with.

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