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

Interested parties in any part of the country could have applied for this status. They knew exactly what was expected of them to reach the final point. They chose to engage in the process. The HEA is the intermediary in assisting them to reach that target. It is engaged in ongoing consultations with all of the consortiums. I would not be pessimistic about it as there is a determination to reach the goals. Obviously, there are issues. Issues of finance are always going to be important in this regard. The process is being managed by the governing authorities and the HEA. Obviously, we are also keeping a close watch on developments. The process is proceeding according to the criteria set down.

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