Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Keaveney for his opening comments regarding my presence here, which I appreciate.

GMIT has an excellent reputation and plays a key role in supporting the development of the western region. It facilitates access to third level education for people from Galway, Mayo and beyond and plays a key role in the development of business and industry in the region. It is proposing to link up with Sligo and Letterkenny Institutes of Technology to strengthen that strategic role.

The institute's reputation and its future contribution, not to mention its past reputation, is of critical importance. I do not wish to comment on the individual details of this case while the process of investigation is ongoing. However, I can understand why the Deputy is concerned. I have deliberately pointed out to him what this House can do with regard to democratically expressing that concern in an appropriate manner and at an appropriate time.

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