Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the question of the Connacht-Ulster alliance, as I have done on many previous occasions.

We had hoped that the application would be submitted by the end of last year but that has not happened. However, I believe that negotiations are in the final stages and hopefully the outcome will be positive. Can the Minister confirm what I have said regarding the Connacht-Ulster alliance application? Is the Government actively supporting this process?

Deputy MacSharry spoke about the possible linkage of St. Angela's College with IT Sligo, rather than NUIG, in the context of the upcoming application for technological university status. I do not always agree with the Deputy but I do on this occasion. He made a very comprehensive and cogent argument for considering that connection between the two colleges. Unfortunately, there was not time for an answer from the Minister so I would like to hear his comments now on the possibility of a linkage between St. Angela's and IT Sligo and whether he would support that course of action.

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